Skip bins are designed for disposing of all sorts of waste including garden waste, which can be turned into compost and mulch and even some recyclables when the correct bin is used. It also leads to some pretty interesting finds. Check out some of the weirdest things found in skip bins:

• • Bazookas
    In Queensland, two rocket launchers capable of destroying a tank were found in the Noosa tip. Our Cleanaway team made the discovery when rubbish from the morning’s Noosa-Eumundi Rd industrial area run was being sorted.The police couldn’t be sure if the rocket launchers were still capable of firing, and the rocket launchers would most likely be destroyed along with the other guns collected during the national gun amnesty that ended recently.

• • Whales
    In September, the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council dug up the carcass of a beached whale that had been buried several days before, due to community concerns that the carcass could attract sharks.The 20-tonne carcass posed several challenges; from ground access to removal and finally disposal. In the end, the Council decided to use skip bins to transport the carcass back to the landfill.

• • Antique treasures
    Sometimes what people throw out are really treasures. Old paintings, winning lottery tickets and even Mayan artefacts have been found in skip bins and dumpsters, most tossed during a regular clear-out. While skip bins are popular as a catch-all for uncompactable waste, it may be a good idea to go through the waste itself before throwing it out.
• • Documents and electronics
    Many businesses handle sensitive documents and use a wide range of electronics, which may eventually end up in the skip bin during the end of financial year clear-out. Not only is this a waste of resources, depending on the documents, it could be illegal. Sensitive documents can be disposed of securely with Cleanaway’s secure product destruction service, while electronics can be recycled as e-waste and with individual components reused.In the US, a laptop belonging to Fabrice Tourre, a former Goldman Sachs trader, was found in a dumpster. The laptop contained information about his dealings, leading to his conviction for mortgage-securities fraud.

Skip bins are an essential service for home, office or construction projects so to give your trash the best chance of becoming recycling treasure, check which skip bin is right for you before booking.

Getting started on a new project? Skip the hassle and bin your waste with Cleanaway. Whether you’re just clearing out the garden, doing a quick office refresh or renovating parts of your home, there’s a Cleanaway skip bin to fit your needs.

What are skip bins?

A skip bin is an essential service when you’re undertaking a large project. Skip bins are large open-topped waste containers which come in a variety of sizes, and are ideal for large, heavy and non-compactable waste.

Cleanaway skip bins range from small 2m3 bins to industrial bin sizes including 30m3 bins (available in select locations). Our skip bins also have a variety of features to make waste disposal easy including wheelbarrow ramps and walk-in bins.

The easy access makes skip bins an ideal way to manage building and demolition projects, as well as home renovations, gardens and office clean ups. Cleanaway also supplies dedicated, EPA-licensed skips for the transportation of contaminated soil.

Why choose Cleanaway skip bins

Cleanaway has skip bins for all project sizes and types, making it easy for you to find the right skip bin. We also offer bulk bins, mini skip bins, front-end lift steel bins, craneable bins and tippler bins for safe waste management on larger projects.

Our skip bins have been used in a variety of industrial applications, from construction and renovation to offshore rigs and facilities. Some advantages of choosing a Cleanaway skip include:

• Prompt delivery and removal to fit your schedule
• Time and cost-saving
• Sustainability rate improvements for your business when we’re able to recover resources from your waste

What goes into a Cleanaway skip

There are four waste categories for Cleanaway skips:

• General waste
  These skips are great for smaller one-off projects. A general waste Cleanaway skip accepts appliances, furniture, garden and office waste, rubbish and light construction waste such as wood, gyprock and metal.
• Green waste
  These are dedicated garden and green waste skips for leaves, branches, grass and clippings. If you’re clearing out the garden or pruning trees, then you’ll need one of these skips. The waste collected in these bins will be turned into high-quality compost and mulch.
• Bricks and concrete waste
  For simple renovations, you can also hire a skip bin specifically for concrete, bricks, pavers, ceramic floor and roof tiles. This skip is great for smaller, focused projects.
• Heavy waste
  We also have dedicated skip bins for heavy waste such as concrete, bricks, soil, rock, tiles, pavers, wires and similar waste. Skips in this category are also EPA-licensed for the transportation of contaminated soil, such as lead-contaminated soil.

How to order a Cleanaway skip bin

You can now order a Cleanaway skip online. All you need to do is visit our website. Once you’ve completed the form, you’ll receive an email with details of your order.

And that’s it. Skip the hassle and bin with Cleanaway today.

One of the biggest dilemmas when it comes to skip bins is finding the right skip bin for your project. Should you go with a 3m³ bin or a 5m³ bin? Should you get one with a ramp or one with an open door instead? What can you put into a skip bin? How big are commercial bin sizes?

Picking the perfect skip bin for your project doesn’t have to give you a headache. Ask yourself these questions to ensure you get the right skip for the job:

Question 1: What will your skip bin be used for?

Skip bins with wheelbarrow ramps are great for outdoor projects, especially the garden. Green waste such as leaves and topsoil can be recycled into compost and mulch. Walk-in skips, on the other hand, are perfect for home and office renovations. The extra access lets you pack your rubbish more efficiently to help you get the most out of your skip space.

Different types of skips allow for different types and sized rubbish items so think about what you’re planning to dispose of when making your selection.

Skips for brick and concrete waste don’t accept general waste like furniture, office waste and metal. Similarly, green waste bins may not accept tree trunks over 20cm and stumps over 30cm in diameter. Heavy waste skips can be used to transport contaminated soils, a waste type that can’t be handled with a general waste skip bin. Don’t forget to ask if there are any restrictions when you book your skip.

Question 2: Where will you put your skip bin?

The perfect skip bin for your project will depend on your access area. You will need to ensure you have space not just for the skip, but also for the truck that will be delivering and picking up your bin.

If space is an issue, then it might be a better idea to increase the frequency of the skip bin pickup. This will allow you to continue work with minimal interruptions. A smaller skip bin with frequent collection can also reduce the risk of damage to your driveway and the road by a heavy skip, especially if you intend to place the bin on a public road.

Note that if you are placing the bin on public property (including the nature strips on residential streets), you will need the relevant Council permits.

Question 3: What’s the size of your project?

Now that you know the type of skip bin to hire and where it will go, it’s much easier to figure out what size it needs to be.

A good way to approximate your “skip bin load” is to look at your regular 240L household wheelie bin.

One cubic metre of a skip bin will hold about four well-packed 240L wheelie bins. Approximate how many wheelie bins you’ll need for your project, and divide it by four to get the rough cubic metres of space for your skip.

For example, a kitchen renovation project will probably require 15 – 28 wheelie bins for the waste generated. This means you should be looking at a 4m³ or 5m³ skip for your needs. If you have a lot of waste that can’t be compacted then it would be better to order a skip bin that’s slightly larger to prevent overfilling.

And that’s all you need to find your perfect skip bin.