So, you’ve decided to do some renovations. Maybe you’re landscaping or cleaning up the garden, or maybe doing a general household or garage clean-up, inside and out. You might even be building, or preparing to move house. What better way to get rid of all those unwanted items than hiring a skip bin!
Although you can fit a great deal of objects in the skip bin, it is crucial to stop and think about what not to place in the bin.
Due to current environmental legislation the following items are not allowed to be disposed of in a skip bin:
- Asbestos (unless the bin has been provided, specifically for asbestos removal, and has been prepared in accordance with Work Cover requirements).
- Fibro (fibrous (or fibre) cement sheets)
- Gas bottles, including small cylinders
- Explosives and any other environmentally unfriendly substances or objects likely to cause harm or damage
- Dangerous chemicals and poisons
- Acids, solvents, minerals, greases
- Liquid paint
- Hazardous goods (oil, fuel, thinners)
- Toxic, noxious materials
- Herbicides and pesticides
- Liquid waste
- Batteries
- Tyres
- Mattresses
- Needles and syringes
- Medical waste
- Food scraps
- Any materials likely to decay or putrefy
- Nappies
Also, the following are not allowed in the green waste bins:
- Tree stumps or branches greater than 100mm diameter
- Fence palings
- Timbers
- Copper logs
- Sleepers
(If you are not sure, ask your skip bin hire company)
Never light fires or burn waste in the skip!
As you can see, there are probably a number of items that you might not have considered would not be allowed in the skip bin.
To dispose of hazardous, dangerous materials you need to contact your local council. But your first step is to always ask your skip bin hire company about what you can safely place in the bin.
You have probably heard of asbestos, and are aware that special precautions must be taken with it. But, what is asbestos?
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a fibrous mineral capable of disintegrating into tiny airborne fibres, unable to be seen with the naked eye, and which can be easily breathed in, which presents a health hazard. According to Workplace Health and Safety Regulation 1997 (and widely documented), if you breathe the dust and fibres it is likely that you may contract malignant mesothelioma, lung cancer or asbestosis. Therefore, every precaution should be taken to avoid breathing the asbestos.
Asbestos was used in a variety of places from the 1940s to early 1990s. If you are considering renovating and your house was built between these years, get some advice on how to safely remove the asbestos containing material, as it is likely that asbestos was used in some form. Asbestos wastes may be in the form of loose fibres, dust, floor sweeping, sheets, boards, pipes, moulded products, contaminated packaging, sludges, and slurries.
So, what happens if you put the wrong things in the skip bin?
Extra charges will apply to contaminated bins due to the excess fees the skip bin hire company has to pay. Additional fines from council agencies may apply, especially for the incorrect dumping of hazardous materials.
When hiring a skip bin, order one with a cover or lockable lid to prevent illegal dumping in your bin.
According to council regulations, permits are needed for Newcastle City Council area and are obtained by the skip bin company. In Lake Macquarie, permits are not required. However, at Newcastle Skip Bins, we will sort out all your needs. Contact us at any time – we have 24/7 booking available via our online system.
Skip the Tip offer professional, friendly service, and have an eco-friendly philosophy and commitment to recycling.
So call us on 0414 375 375 or fill in your contact details on our Home page, and we will be in touch.