Don’t Guess—Know What You Can and Can’t Toss

Hiring a skip bin sounds simple—until you're standing in front of it wondering, “Can this actually go in?” Whether you're renovating, spring cleaning, or moving house, knowing what you can (and can’t) put in a skip bin is essential.

Not only can improper waste cost you extra, but it could also land you with fines or environmental issues.

In this guide, we’ll cover exactly what’s allowed in most general skip bins, what needs special handling, and how to avoid costly surprises.

Whether it’s old furniture, renovation debris, or forgotten garage clutter—you’ll know where it belongs.

 

Quick Overview: What Goes in the Bin—and What Stays Out

Here’s your at-a-glance guide to common items and their status:

Allowed in most general waste skips

  • Household rubbish

  • Furniture and fittings

  • Green waste (leaves, branches, grass)

  • Building rubble (bricks, tiles, plaster)

  • Cardboard, paper, and packaging

  • Non-electrical general junk

Prohibited or restricted items

  • Hazardous waste (e.g. asbestos, chemicals, paints)

  • Batteries and tyres

  • Gas bottles or fire extinguishers

  • Electronics (depending on your state)

  • Food waste in bulk (in some bins)

Want to dive deeper into each category? Keep reading for a full breakdown, pro tips, and practical advice.

 

1. What You Can Put in a Skip Bin

Let’s start with the good news—most everyday junk and renovation debris is perfectly fine to toss.

General Household Waste

Think of this as your regular garbage, just more of it:

  • Old clothes and linen

  • Toys, books, and decor

  • Kitchen items (not food)

  • Broken furniture

Pro Tip: If it would normally go in your red bin, it’s usually allowed in a skip.

Green Waste

If you're trimming hedges or tackling a garden clean-up, skip bins can take:

  • Grass clippings

  • Small branches and twigs

  • Leaves and shrubs

  • Weeds and bark

Some providers offer green waste-only skips, which are cheaper and go straight to composting.

Construction and Renovation Waste

Got a project underway? Most renovation debris is accepted:

  • Bricks, concrete, tiles

  • Timber offcuts

  • Gyprock and plasterboard

  • Metal scraps

Just make sure you’re not including asbestos or insulation materials (more on that shortly).

Packaging and Paper/Cardboard

Great news if you’ve just moved:

  • Flattened cardboard boxes

  • Styrofoam packaging (check local rules)

  • Paper waste and shredded documents

These help fill empty space in the bin too—making your load more compact.

 

2. What You Can’t Put in a Skip Bin (And Why)

Here’s where you need to be careful. Some materials require special disposal and can’t be mixed with general waste.

Hazardous Materials

This includes anything that poses a chemical, environmental, or fire risk:

  • Paint tins (full or partly full)

  • Motor oils and fuels

  • Cleaning chemicals

  • Pesticides or herbicides

  • Pool chemicals

Did You Know?
Disposing of hazardous materials improperly can carry fines of up to several thousand dollars, depending on your state.

Asbestos

This is one of the biggest no-nos. Asbestos requires:

  • Licensed removal

  • Special skip bins with warnings

  • Government-regulated disposal

Even small amounts (like broken old eaves) can’t go in regular bins.

“Asbestos contamination shuts down waste facilities and exposes workers. Never assume it’s safe to toss.”
— Environmental Safety Officer

Electronics (E-Waste)

This varies by location but often includes:

  • TVs and monitors

  • Computers and printers

  • Phones and cables

Many councils now offer free e-waste drop-off points—so check your local recycling options.

Batteries and Tyres

Even though they're common waste items, these contain chemicals or materials that can’t be mixed with general rubbish.

You’ll need to:

  • Take them to specific recycling centres

  • Ask your skip provider if they offer add-on disposal

Food and Wet Waste (in bulk)

While a few leftovers aren’t a big issue, large quantities of food waste or wet items can cause:

  • Odours

  • Pest problems

  • Bin weight limit breaches

Check with your provider if you’re cleaning out a fridge or pantry.

 

3. Quick Guide: Planning a Clean-Out? Here’s How to Skip the Waste Woes

Real-Life Scenario:

You’re finally doing that big garage clean-out. You’ve got everything from broken tools to cardboard boxes, old kids’ toys, half a can of paint, and a rusted BBQ. You hire a skip bin and start loading—until you wonder: “Can I actually throw this stuff in here?”

Common Clean-Out Confusion:

  • Is it okay to toss paint tins or motor oil containers?

  • What happens if I include electronics or tyres?

  • Will the bin company reject my load or charge me extra?

How to Keep It Simple:

1. Sort as You Go: Have a clear “bin” pile and a “hazardous” or “recycle separately” pile. This keeps you compliant and avoids surprises.

2. Ask Your Provider First: A quick phone call or website check can clarify what’s allowed—some offer mixed waste or special bins for problem items.

3. Label Problem Items: If you’re unsure about something, separate it and let the provider know. Hidden paint cans can contaminate an entire load.

4. Don't Overfill or Overweight: Stay within the fill line to avoid extra charges or pickup refusal.

Why It Works:

Following simple sorting rules helps you get the most value from your skip bin, avoids fines, and ensures your waste is processed safely.

Not sure where something goes? Ask before you toss—most bin providers are happy to help.

 

FAQs: Skip Bin Contents

Can I mix different types of waste in one skip?

Sometimes, yes. Many providers offer mixed waste bins that accept household, green, and light construction materials together.
However, heavy waste (like concrete) or hazardous items must be kept separate.

What happens if I put something banned in the bin?

You might face:

  • Extra charges for sorting or removal

  • Refusal to collect the bin

  • Fines from local councils or the EPA

Always read the provider’s waste guide before loading.

Can I dispose of mattresses or whitegoods in a skip?

Yes, but some items like mattresses, fridges, or washing machines may incur extra fees due to recycling costs.
Check with your provider for add-on pricing.

Do skip bin companies check what’s inside?

Yes—either on pickup or at the sorting facility. If banned items are found, you could be backcharged or denied service in future.

 

Conclusion: Bin It Right and Save the Hassle

Knowing what can and can’t go in your skip bin is more than just a nice-to-know—it’s the key to saving money, protecting the environment, and getting the job done right.

Most household, green, and renovation waste is fair game. But asbestos, chemicals, and e-waste need special care. Don’t risk it—always check first, sort as you go, and ask questions when unsure.

The result? A cleaner space, a smoother clean-out, and peace of mind knowing you’ve done it properly.