Are Skip Bins Eco-Friendly?

Skip bins are a practical and affordable solution to excess waste. Getting rid of rubbish is a big problem in Australia and, in fact, all over the world. Over many years, society has struggled to find ways to dispose of waste that doesn’t damage the environment.

It has only been in recent years that processes and equipment have been developed, which make waste management much easier and much more eco-friendly.

Skip Bins Help the Environment

Although you may not realise it, skip bins are one of the most eco-friendly and convenient solutions to managing relatively large amounts of rubbish.

Skip bins can be used in homes and businesses to make the disposal of all kinds of waste simpler. Most homes and businesses in Australia have access to council-run waste management systems.

Wheelie bins lined up

Councils provide bins to houses and businesses and then collect the waste regularly. However, sometimes there’s too much waste in the allocated green, recycling or general wheelie bins.

Most people will book a skip bin or visit their local dump when this happens.

Skip bins are an excellent alternative to dumping at local dumps because they ensure that the collected waste is recycled and limit the amount of car journeys necessary.

One skip can collect a huge amount of waste in one return journey. This might take an ordinary car with a trailer 6 trips to the dump.

Not only that, but skip bin operatives will then arrange sorting and recycling of the collected rubbish.

What about building waste?

Even building waste can be recycled. That’s right – today’s technology ensures that building waste like bricks, stone and concrete can be recycled and reused.

This is great news since concrete and other building wastes are historically the most non-environmentally friendly materials.

pile of bricks on a lawn

Do I need a special type of skip for different waste types?

Possibly. Some skips are set aside for certain waste types. For example, a green waste skip bin is only for garden waste. In these skip bins, you can put grass clippings, weeds, tree branches, stumps, etc..

That waste is then taken away to be processed and turned into compost. Similarly, skip bins meant only for bricks/rubble are also meant only for that type of waste.

However, mixed and general waste skip bins are also available and popular for households. When you run a busy home, you will always build up rubbish.

Whether that includes broken furniture, old carpet, tiles, toys, or fabrics, you can usually put these in a general waste skip bin.

Always check with your provider if you are uncertain about any of your waste types.

Can I put oil or pain in a skip bin?

No. Oil and paint are too tricky to dispose of easily. The good news is that most local councils provide the means for you to leave this at designated spots so it can be safely disposed of.

Batteries are another no-no in skip bins. They are a fire hazard as they can spontaneously burst into flames. If you are unsure about any materials, please get in touch.

To learn more about recycling and reducing waste in Australia, visit this guide from the Australian Government.