Size is important when it comes to skip bins, and picking the right one for your project is more complex than it may seem. This guide will help you learn about the different skip types (including bags) and their sizes, as well as the pros and cons of each.
Rubbish Skip Bin Types (including bags)
Rubbish Bags:
Pros:
- Small, can hold between 1m3 and 3m3 of rubbish depending on size
- Pay for only what you dispose of at the end of the booking
- Carry Home Bag has no time limit
Cons:
- Upfront cost is not fixed, so you won’t know the total cost until after the bag is returned
- Can become heavy and require a lift to be removed
- Must be placed in an area with clearance for removal
- Removal trucks typically need 3 metres of driveway access and 9 metres of height to collect the bag
- It is against council regulations to place bags on public footpaths or roadways (unlike Mobile Skips bins, which can be placed in parking spots)
Mobile Skips™ (also known as portable skips, trailer skips, or mobile mini skips):
Pros:
- Available in the most popular size for homeowners, tradespeople, and construction fit-outs – 4 cubic metres (4m3)
- Two weight options – 500kg or 1,000kg, with the option to pay extra for 1,500kg
- Registration plate allows it to be placed anywhere a car can and does not require a council permit
- Rubber tires will not damage concrete walks and driveways
- Lockable lid (lock included)
- Quick online booking system
- Easy to load
- Wheel brake to keep the skip from moving
- Lids with three positions that are easy to lift
- Fee-free cancellations and delivery date changes
- Hassle-free order changes
- On-time delivery within a 3-hour window, with the option for delivery within 3 hours of booking
- Available for pick-up at Bunnings or delivery to your house
- Great for moving – you can have it delivered to your old house, fill it, and then transport it to your new house to dispose of boxes and moving rubbish (call us to make this arrangement with our 24/7 call centre)
- Can be moved around a construction project for optimal placement of waste disposal
- Does not require a construction plan for council approval
- Clean and well-maintained for safety
- Can be moved with a car
Cons:
- Limited heavy waste (concrete, soil, glass, turf, bricks, etc.)
- Cannot dispose of liquids or hazardous waste
- Not suitable for demolition projects
- Cannot dispose of large furniture or bulky/oversized items
- Lid must be shut for the skip to be taken away
- An extra fee is charged for exceeding the 1,000kg weight limit
- Maximum weight capacity is 1,500kg
- Must be collected by Mobile Skips for proper waste disposal, even if picked up from Bunnings
Marrel Skip Bins (high-sided bins with a small footprint, one of the most common types):
Pros:
- Multiple sizes available, ranging from 2 to 17 cubic metres
- High sides and short length, typically with a small footprint (size of a car parking spot)
- Bin is lowered into place
- Optional wheelbarrow access (request this when booking to ensure the correct skip is delivered)
Cons:
- Requires a council permit and may also need a construction plan showing where it will be placed and for how long.
- Needs 3 metres of clearance for placement
- Cannot be placed near foliage, branches, wires, or anything else that could obstruct collection
- Often overused and poorly maintained, with rust in multiple areas
- Cannot be moved without a lift
Hooklift Skip Bins:
Pros:
- Offers the largest size range, from 3 cubic metres to 30 cubic metres
- Great for demolition and large commercial projects (pre-fit-out)
- Can handle rubbish weight that would overload a Marrel skip
- Large rear doors make it easy to load with construction equipment (e.g. bobcat)
Cons:
- Requires clearance for the delivery truck and the skip to be placed
- Requires a permit and a construction plan showing where it will be placed and for how long
- Needs 3 metres of clearance for placement
- Cannot be placed near foliage, branches, wires, or anything else that could obstruct collection
- Often overused and poorly maintained, with rust in multiple areas
- Cannot be moved without a lift
Conclusion:
When choosing a skip bin, consider your waste management needs, budget, and the location of the bin. Mobile Skips offers a convenient and customer-service focused option, with multiple weight options, easy online booking, fee-free cancellations and delivery date changes, hassle-free order changes, and on-time delivery within a 3-hour window. However, if you are considering a different type of skip, be sure to read reviews and research the company to ensure that you are working with a reputable provider.
Not all skips are created equal and that goes for the service as well. At Mobile Skips we are customer-service first and that is why we have won the award for Best Rubbish Removal Service for 2021 and 2022 by Productreviews.com.au.
