Choose the Right Spot for Your Skip Bin
Where you put your skip bin is one of the most critical choices you'll ever make - and it can make a real difference in how convenient it is to use and how secure your property becomes. Your bin needs to be positioned where it's flat, level, and readily accessible not only for you but also for the delivery vehicle. In most houses, the driveway is the way to go. It is a steady ground, convenient in relation to residence, and you don't have to make strenuous loading because you're generating trash. Drive-throughs also vary, of course. Your own, maybe, is rather steep, or in one aspect a limited lane, or with ornamental or soft cover such as stamped concrete or brick paving, and consequently, you shall have to ask yourself whether your driveway can accept the load for a skip bin and for delivery truck's mass.
Think about how close you want the bin to the area where you'll be working. If you're clearing the backyard, for example, to have the bin near a side gate could be more useful than having it near the front door. It's also important to leave enough clearance for the delivery vehicle - typically around 3 metres wide and 4 metres of overhead, including any protruding tree branches, carports, or overhead cables. If you live in a townhouse or apartment complex with minimal room, you may need to make arrangements to have the bin on the nature strip or even part-way on the road. In these situations, it is advisable to speak to your local council about permits and placement bylaws. We can also advise on bin size and placement here at Bin Corp, and we'll help with council requirements should your bin need to be positioned off-property.
Clear the Access Path for Safe Delivery
Even the perfect bin location won't work if the truck can't reach it. Access is probably the most frequently forgotten part of skip bin delivery, and it's usually the cause of delays or unsuccessful drop-offs. Prior to your booked delivery, walk around your property from the street to the point of drop-off. Measure the width of gates, driveways, or side access ways. Are there bins, parked vehicles, bikes, or kids' toys that might obstruct the path? What about garden features like low-hanging branches, overgrown bushes, or hanging pergolas?
It's also worth inspecting the surface itself. Bumpy paving, loose gravel, or muddy driveways are an issue, especially for larger skip bins. If you have animals, make sure they're safely secured on delivery day - our drivers must be able to drive onto your site safely and without distraction. If the bin is to be put into a shared laneway or narrow driveway, it's considerate and reasonable to alert your neighbours beforehand. Moving any of the movable vehicles that may block access for a temporary period will also be time and trouble-saving on delivery day.
At Bin Corp, we strongly recommend that customers provide us with as much information as possible when ordering - for example, photographs or descriptions of challenging access areas. That way, our team can plan ahead, bring the right equipment, and deliver your bin safely and promptly to you.
Protect Your Driveway or Surface Area
While skip bins are designed to be strong and stable, they are heavy - especially when filled - and can cause damage to the surface if handled carelessly. If you are placing the bin on a concrete driveway, paved area, or lawn, we strongly recommend that you take steps to protect the surface. The weight of the bin, combined with the steel edge of its bottom, can scratch, scuff, dent, or crack if not protected. Rain or prolonged sitting can cause water damage or mud impressions in softer ground to be more probable.
One of the simplest and most effective ways of protecting your surface is by putting thick wood planks or pieces of plywood on the ground before the bin comes. These serve as a buffer that spreads the weight more equally and prevents it from touching the ground. On garden paths or lawns, a waterproof tarpaulin with timber planks can help minimize sinking and keep your yard tidy. In case you're placing the bin on decorative tiles or concrete, include additional cushioning like rubber mats or cardboard.
Our Bin Corp operators are taught to lower bins gradually and set them down gently, but taking the time to do those little things makes you feel confident and reduces the risk of damage, particularly on valuable surfaces. Remember, skip bins will sit at your property for several days - planning is worth a few minutes.
Understand What You Can and Can't Dispose Of
Before your bin even arrives, it's important to understand what types of waste you'll be putting in it. Different projects generate different waste streams, and using the wrong bin type - or mixing prohibited items - can lead to additional fees or rejected collections. For example, if you're doing a garden makeover, your waste might include grass clippings, branches, and soil. A green waste bin would be the best fit. If you're renovating your home, you'll need a mixed heavy waste bin that can handle concrete, timber, plasterboard, and more. General household rubbish from a move or spring clean, on the other hand, would go in a general waste bin.
There are also things you should never place in any bin - including asbestos, batteries, flammable liquids, paint, chemicals, gas cylinders, tyres, and electronic waste. These are all dangerous and have to be treated differently. With Bin Corp, we have clear policy documents that set out precisely what you're allowed to put in your kind of bin and what not to put in. If you are going to mix your wastes of different kinds, we can help recommend the best course of action - possibly including employing a few different bins or sorting by floor. Long-range planning in organizing your rubbish to dispose reduces your wastage load you add into every receptacle and your collection and is smoother, following. You'll be aiding cleaner environmental outcomes too, as correctly separated garbage is that much more able to recycle and landfill avoidance divert.
Load Smart and Plan for Collection
When your bin arrives, it's difficult not to start chucking rubbish in straight away - but a bit of planning can be worth it in terms of saving you space, effort, and money. Start by loading flat, heavy objects down the bottom. Timber planks, tiles, or flattened cartons come to mind. Then progress upwards through bulkier but lighter products, topping out gaps with loose rubbish or lightweight material such as insulation, leaves, or light plastics. Break up big objects like furniture, packaging, or fencing wherever practicable - this makes for neater loading and utilises bin space to its maximum. It's also a good idea not to overfill the bin past the edge. Full bins can't be transported legally or safely and may incur penalties or require waste removal before pickup. If unsure, go one size up when booking - it's often less expensive than hiring a second bin later on.
On collection day, make sure the access path is clear and no new obstructions - like parked cars or locked gates - have been added. If your bin becomes full earlier than expected or you need a longer hire period, contact us and we'll arrange a collection or extension within your deadline. At Bin Corp, we pride ourselves on our flexibility and quick turnaround, keeping your project on schedule.
Plan Ahead, Skip the Stress
Preparing your property for skip bin delivery is all about being proactive. From choosing the perfect spot and clearing access, to covering your driveway and knowing what can be loaded into the bin, a few simple steps can prevent problems and make your entire rubbish removal process easier. Whether you're clearing out a property, operating on a building site, or sprucing up a garden, the time it takes to prepare is well worth it as your skip bin will serve you - not against you.
At Bin Corp, we don't just leave a bin - we offer a complete waste solution with expert advice, convenient scheduling, and environmentally friendly disposal. Our team is here to guide you at every step, ensuring your skip bin hire is hassle-free, and tailored to your needs.
Order your skip bin online or ring one of our specialists today to find out the ways we can help you prepare. With a little planning and a trusted friend, rubbish removal has never been easier.