If you’re tackling a garden makeover, you’ve probably found yourself staring at a mountain of garden waste, wondering, “What’s the best way to get rid of this?”
Do you chuck it all in your council’s green bin and hope for the best, or do you need to go all out and hire a skip bin?
Turns out the answer is simple: it depends on how big your job is and what kind of waste you’re dealing with.
At Metro Skip Hire, we get that landscaping is already hard yakka – the last thing you want is to stress about waste disposal. That’s why we’ve put together this easy guide to help you figure out the best option for your next backyard landscaping blitz.
Whether you’re just giving the hedges a quick trim or ripping up your whole garden, we’ll make sure your landscape rubbish disposal is simple, stress-free, and sorted.
On that note, let the battle of the bins commence!
At a glance…
When landscaping, homeowners need to decide between the:
- Green Waste Bin: Best for small garden clean-ups and organic waste like grass clippings, leaves, and small branches. Part of your council service and eco-friendly.
- Skip Bin: Ideal for large landscaping projects, including soil, tree stumps, and mixed waste. Comes in various sizes and must be hired separately.
Each comes with their own benefits and drawbacks, such as:
- Material limitations: Skip bins handle a wider range of waste, including construction debris, while green bins are limited to organic materials.
- Cost Considerations: Green bins are included in council services, whereas skip bins have a rental fee but save time and effort for big jobs.
Choosing the Right Option: If it’s a routine garden tidy-up, stick with the green bin. For major projects, a skip bin will make landscaping clean-up much easier.
Looking to learn more? Keep reading to find out which bin is the right fit for you.
What is green waste?
In the red corner, we have the green waste bin. When we’re talking about green waste, we’re talking about any kind of natural, biodegradable trash you’re chucking from your garden.
Basically, if it’s green (duh) and leafy, this is where it belongs.
This includes stuff like:
- Grass clippings
- Leaves
- Small branches and twigs
- Weeds and garden pruning
- Flowers and dead plants
This kind of waste is perfect for composting or turning into mulch, which is why green bins are an awesome, eco-friendly option. But, as handy as they are, they do have their limits.
What can’t go in a green waste bin?
While your green bin is great for most garden scraps, it’s a no-go for:
- Large tree stumps
- Treated wood
- Soil and rocks
- Plastic plant pots
- Construction materials (bricks, concrete, etc.)
If your landscaping clean-up involves more than just leaves and lawn clippings, you’ll need something bigger – like our next contender, the skip bin!
What is a skip bin?
It might sound like a stupid question. We all know what a skip bin looks like – it’s that big metal bucket parked up outside your neighbour’s driveway filled with their outdated bathroom tiles.
But when it comes to what a skip bin actually is? Well, it’s your best mate for big waste removal.
Unlike green bins, which get emptied regularly by the council, skip bins are hired for a set period and taken away when they’re full – too easy!
Skip bins come in different sizes and can handle a mix of waste types, including:
- Green waste
- General household waste
- Construction debris
- Soil, rocks, and heavy materials
Types of skip bins
- Green waste skip bin: If you’re mainly getting rid of leaves, branches, and grass clippings, this is the way to go. It’s an easy way to dispose of large amounts of garden waste that’ll be turned into mulch or compost.
- Dirt and soil skip bin: Planning to level your yard, dig new garden beds, or install fresh turf? A dirt and soil skip bin makes getting rid of all that heavy stuff a breeze.
- Concrete skip bin: For those hardscaping jobs like pulling up old pavers, pathways, or retaining walls, a concrete skip bin is your best bet. It’s made for bricks, tiles, and other heavy materials.
- General waste skip bin: Got a bit of everything? If your landscaping clean-up includes green waste, old furniture, plastic, and even construction materials, a general waste skip bin gives you maximum flexibility.
Pro tip: If your project involves multiple types of waste, a skip bin could save you a few ute loads of time and money by avoiding multiple tip runs.
What’s the difference?
So, which bin is right for you? Here are the main differences:
- Waste Type: Green bins are strictly for organic garden waste. Skip bins? They can take everything from soil to old bricks.
- Size Options: Your council green bin is a one-size-fits-all deal. Skip bins, on the other hand, come in a range of sizes from 2m to 12m.
- Collection: Green bins get emptied by the council on a set schedule. With skip bins, you hire them when you need them, and they get picked up once you’re done.
- Best For: Green bins are great for small, routine garden maintenance. Skip bins are ideal for large landscaping projects, renovations, and jobs with mixed waste.
- Cost: Green bins are included in your council rates. Skip bins come with a hire fee but save you multiple trips to the tip.
So, which one wins?
Well… it’s a draw (sort of).
If you’re just doing a quick backyard tidy-up – mowing the lawn, pruning a few bushes, or weeding the garden – your green waste bin should do the trick. It’s convenient, free, and good for the environment.
But if you’re going all out on a landscaping project – removing soil, ripping out trees, or dealing with a mix of waste – hiring a skip bin is the way to go. It saves you countless trips to the tip and lets you dump everything in one go.
At the end of the day, it all comes down to the size of the job. A small landscaping clean-up? Stick with the green bin. A big backyard overhaul? A skip bin will make life much easier.
FAQs
Can I put soil in a green waste bin?
Nope! Soil is way too heavy for your standard green waste bin. You’ll need a dirt and soil skip bin instead.
Do skip bins cost more than green waste bins?
Skip bins have a hire fee, while green bins are covered by your council rates. But if you’ve got a big job, a skip bin can save you heaps of time and hassle compared to making multiple trips to the tip.
Can I mix green waste with other waste in a skip bin?
Yes, but it depends on the type of skip bin you hire. If you have mixed waste, go for a general waste skip bin instead of a dedicated green waste bin.
How do I choose the right skip bin size?
If you’re umming and ahhing between which size to hire, the choice basically boils down to how much landscaping you are doing.
As a general rule of thumb:
- 2m – 4m Skip: Small garden projects, minor renovations.
- 5m – 8m Skip: Medium-sized landscaping, tree removal.
- 10m – 12m Skip: Large-scale projects, full garden overhauls.
Do I need a permit to place a skip bin on the street?
Maybe! Some councils require a permit if you’re putting a skip bin on public property. Remember to check your eligibility through the City of Melbourne website before booking.
Final verdict: Green bin or skip bin?
At the end of the day, it’s all about what you’re tossing out and how much of it there is. For small garden jobs, your council green bin is perfect. But for a major landscaping clean-up, a skip bin is a lifesaver.
So, before you start your project, think about your waste. A little planning now will save you a whole lot of hassle later!
Need a skip bin for your next big job? Get in touch with Metro Skip Hire today to find the perfect size for your job!
