Everything you need to know about what can and can't go in a skip bin. Choose the right waste type to save money and help the environment.
Choosing the correct waste type for your skip bin is essential. It affects your pricing, ensures proper recycling, and helps you avoid additional charges. Australia has strict waste disposal regulations, and understanding these categories helps everyone.
Correct waste sorting can save you up to 30% on disposal fees
Proper sorting means more materials get recycled, not landfilled
Incorrect waste can result in rejected loads and extra charges
Click on any waste type to learn more about accepted items, prohibited materials, and recommended bin sizes.
General waste skip bins are perfect for mixed household rubbish from spring cleaning, moving house, or decluttering. This includes items that cannot be recycled or composted and would typically go to landfill.
Green waste skip bins are the eco-friendly choice for garden clean-ups, landscaping projects, and tree lopping. All green waste is processed at specialized facilities and turned into mulch or compost, making this the most sustainable waste disposal option.
Construction and demolition skip bins are designed for building sites, renovation projects, and demolition work. These bins can handle a wide variety of building materials and are ideal for both residential and commercial construction projects.
Mixed heavy waste skip bins are specifically designed for dense, heavy materials that exceed the weight limits of standard bins. These bins have reinforced construction and are priced based on weight rather than volume.
Clean fill skip bins are for uncontaminated natural materials that can be reused for land filling, leveling, and construction purposes. This waste type has strict requirements - materials must be completely free of any foreign objects or contaminants.
Household and furniture skip bins are ideal for bulky item removal that regular council pickup cannot handle. Perfect for spring cleaning, moving house, or clearing out deceased estates. These bins can accept a wide range of household items.
Recyclable materials skip bins help maximize resource recovery and minimize landfill. Ideal for businesses, warehouses, and large commercial operations that generate significant quantities of recyclable packaging and materials.
Timber and wood waste skip bins accept clean timber products for recycling. Untreated wood can be chipped for mulch, used in composite products, or converted to biomass energy. A sustainable choice for carpentry, demolition, and pallet disposal.
Quick reference guide to help you choose the right bin size for your waste type
| Size | Capacity | Best For | Waste Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2m³ | 2-3 trailer loads | Small cleanups, bathroom renos | General Green Clean Fill Mixed Heavy |
| 3m³ | 4-5 trailer loads | Kitchen renos, garden cleanups | General Green Household |
| 4m³ | 6-8 trailer loads | Home renos, office clearances | All Types |
| 6m³ | 10-12 trailer loads | Major renos, construction | Construction Household Timber |
| 8m³ | 14-16 trailer loads | Commercial, demolition | Construction General |
| 10m³ | 18-20 trailer loads | Major construction, industrial | Construction Commercial |
Common questions about skip bin waste types answered
The main skip bin waste types are: General Waste (household rubbish), Green Waste (garden materials), Construction & Demolition (building materials), Mixed Heavy (concrete, bricks), Clean Fill (soil, sand), Household & Furniture (bulky items), Recyclables, and Timber/Wood Waste. Each type has specific accepted and prohibited items.
Generally, no. Mixing waste types increases disposal costs and prevents recycling. General waste bins can accept some mixed items, but specialized bins (green waste, clean fill, heavy waste) must contain only the specified materials. Mixed loads may be rejected or charged at higher rates.
Items prohibited in all skip bins include: asbestos, hazardous chemicals, paint and solvents, gas bottles, batteries (especially lithium), medical waste, liquid waste, and any toxic or dangerous materials. These require specialized disposal services.
Clean fill is typically the cheapest waste type as it can be reused for construction purposes. Green waste is also economical as it is composted. Mixed heavy waste and construction waste tend to be more expensive due to processing requirements.
A 2-3m³ bin suits small cleanups (2-3 trailer loads). A 4m³ bin is most popular for home renovations (6-8 trailer loads). 6-8m³ bins are ideal for major projects, and 10m³ bins are best for construction and commercial jobs.
Yes, most electronics and appliances can go in household or general waste bins. However, remove batteries first, and note that some items like fridges may incur additional fees due to refrigerant gas removal requirements. TVs with tubes may also have extra charges.
These items require specialized disposal and are prohibited in ALL skip bin types
Requires licensed disposal
Pesticides, poisons, acids
LPG, propane cylinders
Especially lithium batteries
Liquid chemicals
Syringes, medications
Vehicle tyres
Oils, fuels, chemicals
Contact your local council or EPA for proper disposal options for these materials.
Now that you know the right waste type, get instant quotes from trusted providers in your area.
