Thank goodness for skip bin hires; managing your rubbish disposal has become easy, convenient, and economical. But with the current global waste problem, it is essential to know what you can and cannot put in your skip bins.
Careful consideration of what you toss in your skip bin not only saves you from having to pay fine for contaminating the bin with hazardous waste. It also allows you to do your part in saving and protecting the environment. It is a small act with a significant impact.
Make things easier by identifying your rubbish
By knowing exactly what you are throwing away, you are already halfway there. All you need to do now is segregate it into two main types: rubbish you can put in your skip bin and rubbish you cannot put in your skip bin. You may also want to separate recyclable stuff.
Materials that you should NOT put in skip bins
As a general rule, any rubbish that does not contain harmful chemicals or contaminants, is not infectious or poisonous, does not decay or putrefy, and will not cause injury to those who will be handling it is okay to be thrown in skip bins.
On the other hand, the materials below are considered hazardous and should never be put in your skip bin:
· Paints, solvents, fuels, and pesticides
These chemicals are poisonous and often combustible, and skip bin hire providers don’t have the authorisation to handle this kind of hazardous waste. Dried paint in cans, however, is permitted in skip bins.
· Asbestos
It might not look so menacing, but asbestos is one of the most dangerous materials in the world. It is so harmful that many countries have banned its manufacture, importation, and utilisation. This fibrous mineral can cause fatal diseases, one of which is lung cancer.
· Plasterboards
Like asbestos, plasterboard is toxic to the environment and health because of its gypsum content.
· Food scraps
They rot and give off an offensive stench. They can likewise attract pests and maggots.
· Tyres
Skip bin hires are not authorised to get rid of tyres. If you cannot find a way to repurpose tyres, you should donate them to tyre collection communities where they can put it to good use. Most tyre and car service companies may also offer to take them for a minimal fee.
· Human and animal waste
Biological waste is harmful to skip bin operators, and it is also toxic in a landfill.
· Medical waste
Medical waste like needles, syringes, and bandages can be dangerous to skip bin operators, and has the potential to spread infections and diseases.
· Batteries
These should not be put in your skip bins because they contain dangerous chemicals like lead and acids. Take your used batteries to recycling facilities instead, where they can be properly disposed of.
· Gas bottles and cylinders
Residual contents in gas bottles and cylinders can pose a risk to skip operators, who are not licensed to handle this waste. You should take them back to the company where you bought them, and they will take care of their reuse or disposal.
· Mattresses
Mattresses are not allowed in landfills and are therefore not allowed in skip bins. You may get rid of your old mattress by contacting the council. If you think your mattress is still good for a few more years of use, you could consider donating it.
Equally important as to watching what goes in your bin is ensuring that you keep it inside your property. It prevents passers-by and neighbours from throwing prohibited rubbish in it.
Let professional skip bin hire take care of the rest
You’ve done your part in properly organising and disposing of some waste materials, now let Lake Macquarie Skip Bins take care of the collection and disposal of the rest of your rubbish. With different sizes of skip bins to choose from, you are sure to find one that will suit your clean-up project. Contact us today and get a free quote!
