Managing commercial waste shouldn’t slow down operations. If you’re in Melbourne, skip bins are a fast, compliant way to handle bulk business waste.
In this guide, we cover how to choose the right bin, what can and can’t go in, placement and permits, cost drivers, and when to call Evoro for hazardous waste and specialised services.
Why skip bin hire works for Melbourne businesses
For facilities, operations and project managers, skip bins offer a simple, scalable solution for short-term clean-outs and ongoing waste streams.
- Fewer trips to landfill — save time, fuel and labour.
- Right size for the job — from light office clean-ups to construction spoil.
- Improved site safety — centralised waste point reduces clutter and trip hazards. Better recycling outcomes — easier separation of timber, metals, cardboard and inert waste.
- Predictable costs — clear hire terms and scheduled collections.
Choosing the right skip bin size and type
1) Estimate your waste volume and rubbish removal needs
Walk the site and quantify what’s going. Overestimate if unsure as a slightly larger bin often costs less than a second delivery.
Note bulky items (joinery, pallets) and dense materials (concrete, soil) that drive weight.
2) Match common sizes to typical business needs
2–4 m³: Office clean-ups, packaging, small refurbishments. 6–8 m³: Retail back-of-house resets, light construction waste, mixed commercial waste.
10–12 m³: Fitouts, warehouse clearances, larger building projects (check weight limits).
Note: Heavy waste (concrete, bricks, soil) can hit weight limits before filling the bin. Ask for “heavy waste” options and loading limits at booking.
3) Align the range of skip bin type to your waste stream
- General mixed waste: Packaging, timber, non-confidential paper/cardboard, plastics. Inert/heavy waste: Concrete, bricks, tiles, rubble.
- Green waste: Branches, leaves, grass (for landscape and grounds teams).
- Dedicated recycling: Cardboard-only or metal-only for cleaner recovery and lower fees.
4) What can’t go in a general skip bin
To stay safe and compliant, do not place the following in general skip bins:
- Hazardous waste, including chemicals, solvents, oils, batteries, pesticides, contaminated rags.
- Asbestos or suspected asbestos.
- Paints and liquids (including full tins), gas bottles and flares.
- Clinical/biological waste and sharps.
- Food organics (where prohibited by provider) and certain types of glass (check your booking).
These items require licensed handling.
We’ve recommend reading out blog 12 Steps to Get the Most Out of Bin Hire for more on understanding what can and cannot go into a skip bin.
Placement, access and permits
Choose a safe, accessible location
Flat, stable ground with 3 m+ clearance above for truck lift. Keep clear of doors, fire exits, pedestrian paths and overhead powerlines.
Allow truck access: width 3 m+, turning room, and no low-height carparks for larger bins.
Council permits in Melbourne
If a bin sits on a road, nature strip or public land, a council permit may be required. Timeframes and fees vary by municipality — confirm during booking and allow lead time.
For guidance on responsible waste disposal, consult the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria. EPA Victoria — for business
Best practices for hassle free and compliant disposal
- Segregate at the source: Use separate bins for metals, timber, cardboard and inert waste to boost recycling.
- Load safely: Distribute weight evenly, keep waste below rim height, and avoid voids by breaking down bulky items.
- Prevent contamination: Keep liquids and hazardous items out; use bin lids or covers to stop rain ingress and litter escape.
- Signage and toolbox chats: Label bins clearly and brief crews on what goes where.
- Traceability: Ask for disposal/recycling documentation to support audits and ESG reporting.
Suggested visual: Simple site diagram showing safe skip placement, access and exclusion zones. Cost drivers (and how to avoid extra fees)
- Size and type: Larger and heavy-waste bins cost more.
Choose the smallest safe option that meets weight limits.
- Weight: Overweight loads incur surcharges. Separate heavy materials where possible.
- Contamination: Prohibited items or mixed loads in dedicated recycling bins attract sorting fees.
- Access delays: Blocked driveways or wait-time on site can be chargeable — keep access clear at delivery/collection.
- Overfill: Waste above the rim can’t be transported and may require an extra bin.
- Permit fees: If placing on public land, include council permit costs and lead time.
Hiring skip bins in Melbourne with Evoro
- Request a quote: Share your site address, dates, waste types, estimated volume and access notes. Request a quote with Evoro.
- Choose size and service: We’ll recommend the right bin size, waste stream and schedule based on your operations.
- Schedule delivery: Lock in delivery and pickup windows that suit site hours and project milestones.
- Load safely: Keep waste below the rim, separate recyclable streams, and exclude hazardous materials.
- Collection and reporting: We remove on schedule and can provide recycling and disposal documentation on request.
When a skip bin hire service isn’t the right solution
Some materials need licensed collection and treatment. For safety and compliance, use Evoro’s specialised services for:
- Hazardous waste (chemicals, oils, contaminated materials).
- Asbestos and suspected asbestos (assessed by licensed professionals).
- Liquid waste (grease traps, septic, oily water).
- Emergency spills or unknown substances.
Spill? Our 24/7 emergency team responds immediately to contain and remediate incidents. Call: 1300 785 003.
Mini case: Office fitout in Melbourne’s south-east
A multi-site food and beverage client undertook a fast-turn office refit. Evoro supplied two 8 m³ bins: one for timber and one for mixed general waste. By separating timber and metal fixtures, the client diverted significant materials from landfill and avoided contamination fees. Tight laneway access was managed with an early-morning delivery window and spotter on site. Result: zero delays, better recycling rates, and clear documentation for the client’s ESG report.
FAQs
How long can I keep a skip bin?
Typical hire periods range from 3–7 days, with extensions available. Tell us your schedule and we’ll align delivery and pickup.
Do I need a council permit?
Only if the bin sits on public land (road, nature strip). Private property generally doesn’t require a permit.
What happens to my waste?
Evoro prioritises recycling and recovery, sending residuals to approved facilities. Ask for reporting to support audits.
Can I mix waste types?
General waste bins accept mixed non-hazardous materials. For best value and recycling outcomes, segregate where possible or hire dedicated recycling bins.
What if I discover hazardous materials?
Stop work, secure the area and contact Evoro. Do not place hazardous items in the skip. For spills, call 1300 785 003 (24/7).
Next steps
Ready to streamline business waste with safe, compliant skip bin hire in Melbourne? Evoro delivers the right bin, on time, with recycling-first practices and clear reporting. Request a quote Book a free waste audit Urgent spill support: 1300 785 003 (24/7).