With rubbish removal costs rising in Australia, it’s understandable that we want to find the best deal on the market. But is the cheapest option always the best decision?
Losing a loved one is always a difficult time. In addition to coping with your grief, you may also be tasked with disposing of your loved one’s belongings. However, it is often necessary in order to close the estate.
Whether you’re moving house, building a new home or just clearing out overgrown gardens, you’re likely stuck with large amounts of rubbish you need to get rid of. There are many ways of disposing of large amounts of rubbish, but which is the best way?
We all know that dumping rubbish without a permit is bad, but is it actually illegal in every state in Australia? As waste management experts, we’ve outlined what constitutes illegal dumping and how you can report these incidents, keeping your community and environment clean.
You may have noticed that rubbish removal services are increasing in price in Australia, regardless of where you look. There’s more to these price increases than meets the eye; in fact, skip bin hire companies have been impacted by many market changes. So what exactly is causing these price increases?
If you’ve ever put something into the recycling bin hoping it will be recycled, your ‘wishcycling’ may just be sabotaging the entire bin (or truckload). You might not think it’s a big deal, but do you know how much contaminated recycling affects the recycling industry in Australia?
Do you think about what happens to the rubbish from your skip bin once you’ve thrown it away and the skip is removed? It’s easy to assume skip hire companies simply transport your waste to the tip, but this couldn’t be further from the truth.
Sustainability and responsible waste management is a big focus for rubbish removal companies. So what really happens to your skip bin waste, and how much rubbish actually ends up in landfill?
Skip bin hire rubbish is taken to waste transfer & recycling facilities where up to 90% of rubbish is recycled. Any recyclable materials are separated, processed, and treated for repurposing. Only waste that cannot be repurposed is taken to a waste disposal site for incineration or landfill.
This article has everything you need to know about what happens to skin bin rubbish. You’ll also learn how to ensure as much waste as possible is recycled for next time you hire a skip bin. Read on to learn all about skip waste recycling!
Does Skip Bin Waste Go to Landfill?
Skip bin hire waste does not go directly to landfills. Only about 15% to 30% is non-recyclable and ends up in waste disposal facilities or tips. Meanwhile, 70% to 90% of rubbish in skip bins is recycled. This waste is sorted and sent to appropriate recycling facilities.
Whenever a skip bin is collected, it is taken to a dedicated waste transfer facility. At this facility, anything that can be recycled is separated from the general waste. Only materials that cannot be incinerated, recycled or reused ultimately end up in a waste disposal site or landfill.
When you need to hire a skip in Australia, choose an environmentally conscious provider like Jim’s Skip Bins. This ensures a minimal amount of waste goes to landfill, and that as much rubbish as possible is recycled.
What Happens to Skip Bin Waste After Collection?
Filled skip bins are collected and taken to a waste transfer station facility, where the rubbish gets sorted into recyclables and non-recyclable waste. Materials are then treated (screened, shredded, compacted, etc.) and transferred to the correct recycling facilities.
The majority of rubbish that is thrown into a skip bin is recyclable, but it has to be sorted first. The waste in a skip bin is taken to a special facility where the contents are sorted and processed.
There are many ways in which skip waste can be recycled or repurposed, depending on the type of material. Reliable skip bin hire companies practice responsible waste management, making sure that as little waste goes into landfill as possible, and as much as possible is reused and recycled.
After the contents of the skip bin have been processed by the sorting facility, anything that remains is waste that cannot be recycled. The small amount that remains is then sent to a waste disposal site.
How is Skip Bin Waste Sorted?
At a waste transfer station, a skip bin’s contents are sorted into categories: recyclable waste, organic material to be composted, any toxic material needing treatment, and scrap metal.
Anything that can be recycled has some processing performed on-site, such as sorting, screening, shredding, and compacting for transport. The materials are then transported to various recycling facilities.
Service providers such as Jim’s Skip Bins have the facilities and partnerships to maximise reclamation percentage and minimise waste. Sorting and processing materials for recycling required special facilities and a lot of hard work, which is one of the major factors in the cost of hiring a skip bin.
Where Do Skip Companies Dispose of Their Waste?
As much as possible, skip bin companies will recycle and reclaim materials. Skip bin rubbish that can’t be recycled is taken to a waste disposal site or landfill. Up to 90% of skip waste is ultimately recycled or repurposed, keeping it out of landfill wherever possible.
Most things that are placed in a skip bin can be recycled, and everything that can be recycled, from soil to timber and concrete, will be given a new life. The small amount of rubbish that remains that cannot be recycled or incinerated will end up in landfill sites.
What Items in Your Skip Bin Can Be Recycled?
Most items in your skip bin can be recycled, from garden waste like tree clippings to construction waste like bricks and scrap metal. However, to be recycled properly, they need to be in the correct type of skip bin.
Many types of skip bin waste can be recycled or reused after treatment and processing.

Building & Construction Materials
Construction waste is waste that is generated or remains from the construction or renovation of a building. Construction waste which can be recycled includes:
- Bricks
- Tiles
- Cement
- Stones
- Rubble
- Glass
- Timber
This also includes timber, flooring, plasterboard, new insulation, sandpaper, rubble, terracotta, and concrete, but not insulation with asbestos. Many building materials can be salvaged and used in future construction, or broken down into high quality supplies.
Bricks can be repurposed or reused in gardening or landscaping. Cement, stone, and rubble can also be recycled as concrete aggregate or hardcore for road bases, heavy construction, or infill material in building foundations.
Tiles and glass may also be recycled and reused after being ground up and re-made into infill.
Scrap Metal
Scrap metal may also be recycled into construction or building supplies. Examples of scrap metal and waste metal are:
- Metal cutoffs
- Cans
- Metal pipes
- Copper cabling
- Steel
Raw scrap metal is a resource in high demand, but it does need processing to make it useful. Scrap metal from skip bins is removed and sent to the appropriate facilities, whether that’s in Australia or overseas.
Glass
Glass waste which may be reclaimed or recycled from a skip bin include:
- Recyclable bottles and jars
- Construction site & demolition site glass
Some types of glass can even be crushed into sand for construction use, even if it isn’t traditionally recyclable.
Green Waste
Garden waste (such as grass clippings, tree branches, clippings, stumps, and soil) can often be recycled.
Types of green waste include:
- Tree branches
- Flowers and plants
- Plant trimmings
- Tree stumps
- Lawn clippings
- Tree trunks
- Weeds
These materials are sorted and taken to special facilities to be turned into compost, landscaping resources, or even biomass fuel (particularly old timber). Some cardboard manufacturers, horticultural businesses, and energy companies use this compost to produce their products or services.
Soil & Dirt
Types of soil and dirt which can be disposed of in skip bins include:
- Sand
- Soil
- Dirt
- Clay
- Other soil & fill types
Soil in skips is often sent to land reclamation schemes to be reused as fill, as long as it’s uncontaminated. Soil which is contaminated with chemicals or petroleum should not be disposed of in skip bins (learn more about what can’t go in a skip here).
E-Waste & Appliances
E-waste or electronic waste is rubbish and waste generated from electronic devices. Examples of e-waste include:
- TVs, DVD players, audio gear
- Computers
- Smartphones
- Lighting
- Cables and accessories
As technology evolves quickly and devices are frequently replaced, it’s important that e-waste components are recycled wherever possible. Some electronic waste contains rare earth minerals that can be recycled, and many others are made with recyclable metals. These should be reused or recycled to create a circular and sustainable economy.
When not handled properly however, electrical waste (such as computers and mobile phones) may leak liquid that is detrimental to the environment. That’s why proper processing and handling of e-waste is so critical.
General Household Waste
This category covers any other household items, and many have recyclable materials, including:
- Large appliances and whitegoods
- Small appliances
- Clothes and textiles
- Paper including books and stationery
- Wooden furniture
- Car batteries (if placed on top of other general waste)
What Items in Your Skip Bins Can’t Be Recycled?
Even within recyclable categories, not all materials can be recycled – for instance, some types of construction waste, non-recyclable plastics, and non-recyclable glass. Other items which go to landfill include mattresses and car tyres.
It’s important to know what can’t be put in a skip bin before hiring one to ensure that your skip isn’t contaminated, which can reduce reclamation of resources.
Items to avoid putting in skips altogether include:
Hazardous Waste – As much as possible, you shouldn’t put hazardous or non-recyclable waste in your skip bins as they endanger the workers collecting your skips. If hazardous materials are included, you may be liable for steep charges for safe management and disposal of these goods.
Some examples of hazardous waste that cannot be recycled include:
- Asbestos
- Paint
- Batteries
- Chemicals
- Poison
- Pesticides
For safe disposal of hazardous materials, contact a specialist such as Jim’s Asbestos Removal.
Food waste – Food scraps ultimately shouldn’t be placed in skip bins, as it attracts vermin and most transfer station facility permits don’t allow that without special permission and overheads. Instead, food scraps should be disposed of via regular waste collection. Home or commercial composting are also great environmentally-friendly options for food waste.
Are There Specific Recycling Skip Bins?
Rather than specific recycling skip bins, different waste types should go in separate skips so it can easily be processed and sorted. For example, you should use separate skip bins for green waste, general waste and construction waste.
It’s important to understand the waste types for skip bin hire and what you can dispose of in each bin. When you contact a skip bin hire company, be sure to ask what type of skip bin you’ll need so that you can contribute to responsible waste management.
Ideally, you shouldn’t mix and match the rubbish you put in your skip bins. For instance, keep green waste together (such as grass/lawn clippings, branches, weeds, flowers, and plants), but keep it separate from soil and dirt.
General waste (such as clothes, toys, paper, dinnerware, furniture, and small appliances) can go together, E-waste or electronic products (such as computers, smartphones, lighting, cables, and CD/DVD players) go together in a separate skip.
Some skips can also take building materials together (such as timber, flooring, plasterboard, new insulation, sandpaper, rubble, terracotta, tiles, bricks, and concrete), while glass (including light bulbs, vases, jars, and perfume bottles) should be in a separate skip bin.
Some skips are meant to handle commercial waste, including those for laboratories, manufacturing businesses, and schools, among others. Your skip bin hire company can help advise you which skip is suitable and how you should divide up your rubbish.
Are There Specific Green Waste Skip Bins?
Yes, there are green waste skip bins designed for green waste, such as grass clippings, branches, weeds, flowers, and plants. Green waste doesn’t break down the same way as other rubbish in landfills, and can often be turned into compost, so it needs to be disposed of properly.
How You Can Help the Skip Waste Recycling Process
To support the skip waste recycling process, make sure you are sorting your rubbish correctly and hiring the right type of skip bin. Here are our top strategies to ensure your skip waste can be recycled:
1. Don’t Mix Waste Types in Your Skip Bin
It is easy to help the skip waste recycling process. You simply have to sort your waste correctly. Construction waste, green waste, soil, e-waste and general household waste need to be disposed of in separate skips. Sometimes this isn’t feasible so most skip bin hire companies offer mixed waste bins, charging an overhead to sort and separate the bin. A Jim’s Skip Bins Franchisee will talk through what waste is going in the bin and how to best pack the skip for more efficient and effective sorting.
2. Don’t Add Prohibited or Hazardous Materials to Your Skip Bin
Additionally, do not add prohibited or dangerous items (such as human waste, asbestos, paint, batteries, oils, flammable material, chemicals, poison, pesticides, and contaminated soil). If you’re not sure about the rubbish you want to throw away, check with your skip hire company first.
Having said that, it’s important to choose a trusted environmentally-friendly skip bin hire company, like Jim’s Skip Bins. Choosing the right service provider ensures your skip rubbish is disposed of sustainably and responsibly. Request a free no obligation quote here or call us on 131 546!
Hiring a skip bin for a commercial or residential project? Wondering what size skip bin you need or what are the various types of skip bin?
At Jim’s Skip Bins, we have a wide range of bin types and sizes to cater for various projects and different categories of waste. Getting the best value out of your skip bin hire starts with choosing the right skip for your specific waste requirements, so choosing the appropriate bin type is essential.
Here’s our handy guide to the different types of skips available, and how to choose the right one for your next project.
Types of skips
There are three types of skip bin available from Jim’s Skip Bins; marrel, hook, and mobile. These bins differ in shape, size, how they are transported and loaded on the truck, and each come in different size options.
If you’re wondering how to choose a skip bin, we’ve included the different features of each bin and the waste types that they are best suited for.
Marrel Skip Bins
Marrel skips are some of the most commonly used skip bins, and you’ve likely seen them being used by neighbours or construction workers before. They’re considered to be a great general bin that’s suitable for a wide variety of needs.
Thanks to higher side walls and a lower angled front, loading these is easy, with waste being safely contained within the skip bin. Marrel skips are made of strong steel, so they can handle heavier weight loads, but you should still be careful not to overload them, as if they are too heavy, we won’t be able to collect it and dispose of your waste.
Another benefit of marrel bins is their compactness – this style generally takes up the same amount of space as a car, so you don’t need to have an abundance of room to facilitate one. For delivery, most marrel bins require an overhead clearance of at least three metres, without any low hanging branches or wire obstructions.

Hook Skip Bins
Hook bins are named this because of the way they’re loaded and unloaded; using a large hydraulic hook to lift to roll it off the back of the provider’s truck.
These are larger than the standard marrel skip, and tend to be best suited for bigger projects. They have straight, high walls with bobcat access points through large openings that make it easy to stack flat materials like plaster board and timber. Due to their size and capacity, hook skips tend to work well for high volumes of light waste, like deceased estate clean ups, large renovations, and commercial construction.

Mobile Skip Bins
Mobile skips, also called mini skips, are considerably smaller than marrel and hook skip bins. As their name suggests, mobile skips are easy to transport and, due to their small size, are great for minor jobs like spring cleans or garden projects.
If you want a skip bin with a lid, then a mobile skip is a good option. These have lockable lids, so you can keep them closed to prevent neighbours or passersby from taking advantage of your skin bin hire! These are transported on the back of a trailer, and in many areas, are classed as road-registered vehicles. While this means you might not need a permit to place a mobile skip bin, you will need to comply with parking restrictions wherever you place it.

Choosing the right skip
Choosing the right type of skip will depend on the nature and scale of your project. You can use our handy waste type guide to get a better idea of what type of bin or service you might need. Getting in touch with your local franchisee is also a great way to get a personalised skip type recommendation specific to your waste management requirements.
It’s important to note that there are some waste types that you can’t put in your skip bin. Hazardous materials like wet paint, chemicals, and asbestos can’t go in any of our skip bins. For renos and construction tasks, you can arrange safe disposal of asbestos through Jim’s Asbestos Removal & inspection.
Putrescible waste like food scraps and decaying animal matter are best disposed of in your ordinary green waste bin. If you are wanting to dispose of old mattresses and tires, then please let us know beforehand. Have more questions about choosing the right skip bin? Get in touch with us today!
From small household clearouts to full-home renos, commercial construction, or any other type of project, hiring a skip bin is an effective way to manage waste responsibly and sustainably.
The process is easy and straightforward, but requires some planning on your part to make sure you get the most for your money. Jim’s Skip Bins is an expert in the field, so we know a thing or two about maximising your skip bin hire in Australia. How you fill or load your skip bin can make a big difference to how much you can fit in it, and how far your money will go. Take a look at what our team has to say about how to load a skip correctly and keep the skip bin hire price down.
Before you Pack Up
Choose the Right Sized Skip
The first step happens way before you start filling the skip bin – it’s choosing what size skip bin you need. Too big and you’ll be paying for unused space, too small and you’ll end up with leftover waste you need to take care of. Calculating the right skip bin size will ensure you’re only paying for what you need. We always recommend sizing up one, as a lot of homeowners find that once they’ve started throwing things out, they actually have more to dispose of than they initially anticipated. There are also different types of skip bins, so take this into consideration too.
If you’re still not sure, get in touch with your local franchisee who can give you some size advice.

Consider Waste Types
There are different skip bins and disposal methods for various materials and waste types. If you’re clearing up after a garden project, you’ll probably have more green waste than anything, whereas construction sites generally need to get rid of excess concrete and building materials. Maybe it’s general household waste you need gone, or electronic items to dispose of responsibly. Whatever the case may be, let us know what waste type is being disposed of in your skip bin so that we can make sure to guide you towards the right one.
When you’re packing your skip bin, look out for what not to put in a skip bin, as this will slow down the process during disposal, and could end up costing you more money.
Loading a Skip Bin
It goes without saying that with any loading, filling, and heavy lifting, personal safety is paramount.
How to safely load a skip bin? Make sure to only carry what you can manage, and ask for help with what you can’t. Beyond that, here is our step-by-step guide to loading a skip bin.
1. Create a base
Start smart by packing any flat items on the bottom of your skip bin. This could be bricks, slabs, tabletops, benches, or similar. If you’re putting furniture in at this stage, take it apart as much as possible to maximise the space inside and leave you more room to stack.
2. Weight on the bottom
Once the flat, stackable things are in, next up is heavy items like white goods. This is important to keep the centre of gravity low in the bin to prevent it from tipping on pickup or in transit. Not only is it a pain if this happens, it also poses a serious risk to property and personal safety
Skip bins larger than 3 cubic metres have walk-in doors, making steps 1 and 2 easier by using a trolley or wheelbarrow.
3. Tetris
With the flats and the heavies in, now it’s just a case of squeezing things into the gaps. The less space that’s wasted with air, the more you’ll fit in the bin, and the better value your skip bin hire will work out at. Larger items should go first, then find room around them for small waste to fill the remaining space. Try to distribute the weight as evenly as possible so that one side isn’t significantly heavier than the other, as this can make collection difficult.
4. Compress and condense waste
To make the most of the space, you need to condense your items and make them as small as possible. Disassemble furniture, cut tree branches, and roll up softer items like carpet or other materials. You can also bag up green waste like leaves as well as other smaller items to keep them contained.
When the skip bin is filled, use a shovel or similar to pack things down. This could reveal a little extra space for something you didn’t think would fit.
5. Don’t overfill the skip bin
One of the most important things to remember when you’re stacking a skip bin is not to fill it over the rim. Any excess waste thrown on top won’t fit under the skip bin cover that will be applied before pick up, so will end up left on the site. This isn’t just to be picky, it’s because moving an overly-full skip is dangerous for the people transporting it and for others on the road. Preventing this is another reason why we recommend getting a slightly bigger bin than you think you need.
6. Be selective
If you’re reaching maximum capacity in your skip bin but still have more waste to get rid of, consider disposing of your unwanted items elsewhere. In the case of household items, evaluate whether an item can be given to a friend or family member, donated elsewhere, or recycled. Green waste can even be transformed into mulch for your garden. While not everything can be reused, removing a few items can create valuable space in your skip bin and give them a second life.
Book Your Skip Bin Today!
Responsible waste management is easy with Jim’s Skip Bins! Contact our friendly team, or complete a free, no-obligation skip bin hire quote online.
At Jim’s Skip Bins, we take sustainable waste management seriously. This means disposing of waste responsibly to help preserve the Australian environment, but we rely on your cooperation to do this! We play our part by rigorously following regulations and guidelines when sorting and recycling skip bin waste, and making sure everything gets sent to the appropriate facility. This can be tedious for us, but your part is straightforward; make sure that only approved waste goes into your skip bin.
To get a better understanding of what can go in a skip bin and what can’t, we’ve created this handy guide.
What Can Go in a Skip Bin
Skip bin hire is the perfect solution for various home projects. When you’re discussing your needs with our team, let them know what type of waste will be going in the skip bin. If it’s a combination of waste types, that’s ok too! Just bear in mind that sorting costs will be added to the quote.
The main waste types are:
- Green waste
- E-waste
- Household waste
- Construction waste
- Commercial waste
- Soil, dirt, & glass waste
Below are some examples of common items that can and can’t go in your skip bin:
Waste Type | What You Can Put In | What You Can’t Put In |
---|---|---|
General Waste | Most general household waste. Boxes, wood, cabinets, white goods, clothes, toys, carpet etc. | Bricks, concrete, soil |
Builders/Reno bins | Waste from household clean ups & renovations including bricks, concrete & general waste. | |
Dirt | Only dirt, soil & sand can go in | Anything aside from dirt |
Concrete | Only bricks and concrete are allowed. | Anything aside from bricks and concrete, “disposal facilities are very strict” |
Green Waste | Organic waste such as grass clippings, branches, woodchips and bark, wood, fence palings | Any other waste type. |
What Can’t Go in a Skip Bin?
Although many types of household and commercial waste can go in skip bins, there are few things that can’t. It’s important to know what to avoid putting in your skip bin, as the wrong items could contaminate the whole bin, making sorting dangerous for our team and the environment.
Putrescible waste
Waste that’s likely to decay, or putrescible waste, should not be disposed of in your Jim’s Skip Bin. This includes waste from food, animals, manure, disposable nappies, etc. An easy way to avoid including putting putrescible waste is to think about the item sitting in the bin over a long period of time. Will it rot, begin to smell, or lure pests in? If you think it might, then don’t place it in your skip bin.
Putrescible household waste can go in your green household bin instead. If you’ve got organic matter, like old fruit and vegetables or animal waste, you can dispose of it in a home or local compost. In the case of an animal carcass, you can either bury it in your backyard, or contact your local vet or council to arrange correct disposal.
Asbestos
Often found in older buildings, asbestos can be highly toxic if mishandled. Due to its hazardous nature, asbestos cannot go in your skip bin. Instead, contact Jim’s Asbestos Removal for a safe and easy removal.
Chemicals, Wet Paint, and Oil
Examples of harmful chemicals you should avoid placing in your bin include rat poison, detergents, and fuels. We also don’t accept oil or wet paint, however dry paint is fine to dispose of in your skip bin.
You can safely dispose of your chemical, paint and oil waste with Planet Ark. Alternatively, you can enter your postcode to find a recycling and chemical waste disposal site near you.
Medical Waste
In recent years, we’ve seen an increase in commercial and household medical waste. Whether it’s used gloves, needles, or any other medical materials, do not dispose of it in your skip bin. Incorrect disposal could lead to the spread of infectious diseases, injury via sharps, and toxic chemicals contaminating the environment.
To avoid this, dispose of your medical waste with a licensed healthcare waste management service. You can also dispose of unwanted or expired medications via Planet Ark.
Flammable Materials
Placing any flammable materials, including explosives and batteries, in your skip bin is dangerous and could risk the lives of your family, neighbours, and our team. To avoid starting any fires, check with your local council on how to correctly dispose of your hazardous materials or dispose of flammable materials via Planet Ark.
Gas Bottles and Fire Extinguishers
Gas bottles and fire extinguishers can explode in heat or pressure when the bin is tipped, so these should be dropped off at approved centres where they can be processed safely. Some swap and go petrol stations accept gas bottles in working condition, and several tips also accept both gas bottles and fire extinguishers.
Putting this in your skip? Notify us!

There are a few types of waste which are more difficult and costly to dispose of, so it’s best to let us know during your quotation as they incur an extra charge. This includes general waste such as mattresses, tyres, carpet (large quantities) and artificial grass. Some green waste, such as large tree stumps, bamboo, and Agapanthus plants can also add to the cost, so let us know in advance to ensure an accurate quote!
Get in Touch
If you are unsure about whether you can dispose of an item in one of our skip bins, then get in touch with us today. Our friendly team can advise you according to specific State and council guidelines, and can provide you with a free, no-obligation quote!