What happens to rubbish from skip bin hire is an intriguing question. Where does it all go?

That’s the topic we cover in this in-depth article. It explores the various channels specific forms of waste go through and the process of collecting, sorting, and transporting it.

Collection And Transport

Collection and transport is the first step for dealing with skip rubbish. The hire company retrieves the skip at the end of the agreed-upon rental period (or before if the customer requests it) and loads it onto the back of a truck. The vehicle then takes the waste to a processing facility for sorting and processing. 

Magic Bins processes most waste. However, clients should avoid putting any illegal waste in skips (like firearms) or waste that is ineligible for conventional collection (e.g. batteries, car tyres, paints, oils, etc.)

When collecting full skips from properties, companies will sometimes cover them with tarpaulins to prevent spilling onto the road and to protect the surroundings. 

 

Sorting

When the skip arrives at the waste management facility, operatives unload it and begin sorting the contents. How much sorting is necessary depends on how many item types went into the skip during the hire period. Skip bins can accept general household or building site waste, but some rentals are more specific on what can go into them than others. 

For example, Magic Bins offers skip hire for several types of waste including light builder’s waste, general waste, green waste (which needs to be 100% green), concrete (which needs to be 100% concrete) and heavy/mixed waste. We also operate special skips for asbestos removal projects. 

General and heavy mixed waste require the most sorting because of the sheer range of materials they can contain. For example, during a renovation, households might get rid of ceramics, plastics, vinyl, composite wood, rock, stone, tiles, and slate. All of these require processing slightly differently. 

Professional skip-hire companies (or subcontractors) separate recyclables from non-recyclable waste during sorting. Sometimes, they do this by hand but more commonly it is done with assistance from machines. Many facilities now have automated setups that use magnets for metals, optical sorters for complex objects, and conveyor belts for easy access and processing. 

 

Recycling And Reusing

Skip bin companies try to adhere to Australian environmental standards targets, reducing reliance on landfills whenever possible. Because of this, firms reuse or recycle as much of the material they process as technology allows. 

Here are some examples of material types and how skip companies might manage them: 

  • Timber: Recycled into wood chip, mulch or other secondary wood products
  • Green waste: Composted and turned into various soil or gardening products
  • Concrete and bricks: Crushed by large machines and turned into aggregate for use in future building projects
  • Paper and cardboard: Usually sent to mills to be broken down and reconstituted to wrapping products or recycled fast food bags
  • Plastics: Sorted and then recycled if possible, depending on the underlying chemistry
  • Metals: Extracted from waste using magnets and sometimes melted down and repurposed if economical (i.e. aluminium and steel) 

 

Image: https://pixabay.com/photos/recycle-reuse-recycling-recyclable-57136/

 

Residual Items Sent To Landfill

Sometimes, waste isn’t recyclable. Examples include certain types of plastic, asbestos, and various textiles. When this happens, it goes to landfill. 

Fortunately, this part of the process isn’t as environmentally damaging as it first seems. While most homeowners and businesses would prefer to avoid sending waste to landfills, the Australian government puts numerous standards in place to prevent additional or unnecessary harm. 

For example, authorities regularly monitor sites for environmental compliance. Landfills must assure the central government that they adhere to the rules. 

Landfills must also implement measures to prevent dangerous chemicals from leaching into the soil and groundwater. Because of this, many now use liner systems that stop harmful substances from getting out before they break down naturally. 

Finally, some landfills in Australia capture methane, a greenhouse gas often emitted by decomposing items. This activity further reduces the cost of landfill and makes it friendlier to the environment. 

 

Hazardous And Prohibited Waste

Magic Bins doesn’t accept some types of hazardous or prohibited waste, like medical waste or batteries. These items require special disposal techniques that aren’t available at standard waste management facilities. 

Unfortunately, these products sometimes find their way into skip waste. When this happens, customers need to pay penalties to cover the additional processing costs. Magic Bins must sort these components and then send them to public facilities that can break them down into harmless byproducts or otherwise get rid of them. 

Skip bin companies must adhere to Australia’s various federal rules and regulations regarding waste collection. These aim to protect the public and prevent waste disposal from causing excessive harm to the environment. 

The National Waste Policy Action Plan (2019) is an excellent example of this proactive approach in action. The initiative aims to reduce waste and improve the volume of recycled items. 

Environmental protection regulations also play a role. These ensure processors handle waste properly and meet basic ecological standards. 

 

Now You Know What Happens To Rubbish From Skip Bin Hire

Ultimately, skip bin hire can be okay for the environment. While some waste still goes into landfills, most companies, including Magic Bins, minimise this as much as possible. Most businesses and homeowners are often surprised to learn just how much of their waste goes into forming new products and re-entering the economy. Even old bricks and concrete are still useful when combined with the proper resins and binders. This activity conserves natural resources, decreases CO2 emissions, and reduces reliance on landfills substantially. 

Looking forward, circular economy practices are likely to grow further. For example, skip bin companies could become essential for transporting unwanted items from consumers to processing facilities that can deal with them safely. These firms could also be more active in dealing with the challenges posed by contamination and hazardous waste, sorting through skip rubbish and preventing car batteries and high-VOC paints from entering landfills. It’s all part of a day’s work.