Skip Bin Safe: Top 21 Tips
In Australia, waste management is a crucial issue. It’s estimated that the average Australian produces around 2.7 kilograms of waste per day, adding up to a total of almost 20 million tonnes of waste per year. By following proper waste disposal guidelines and using skip bins safely, we can work towards reducing this amount and protecting the environment. When it comes to health and safety rules, it’s important to always be cautious and follow all guidelines to avoid accidents and injuries. Whether you’re handling waste or working with heavy machinery, always make sure to use protective gear and follow all instructions to ensure the safety of yourself and those around you.
So without further ado, let’s get started.
1. Wear protective gear.
When handling waste, it’s important to protect yourself from any potential hazards. Make sure to wear gloves, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes to avoid cuts and scratches. If you’re working with hazardous materials, you may also need to wear a face mask and goggles to protect your eyes and respiratory system.
2. Use caution when lifting.
Lifting heavy objects can lead to injuries if not done properly. To avoid straining your back, bend your knees and lift with your legs. It’s also a good idea to ask for help if an object is too heavy for you to lift on your own.
3. Keep your skip bin clean.
A dirty skip bin can lead to accidents and injuries. Make sure to sweep out the bin regularly to remove any debris and keep the area clean and clear.
4. Don’t overfill the skip bin.
An overfilled skip bin can be dangerous to transport and may lead to waste falling out and causing accidents. Make sure to only fill the bin to the top of the rim, leaving enough room for the lid to close properly.
5. Follow local regulations.
Different areas have different regulations when it comes to skip bin hire. Make sure to follow all local rules and guidelines to ensure safety and compliance.
6. Dispose of hazardous materials properly.
Hazardous materials such as chemicals and batteries should not be placed in a skip bin. These materials need to be disposed of at special facilities to ensure safety.
7. Keep children and pets away.
Skip bins can be dangerous for children and pets, as they may contain sharp objects or hazardous materials. Make sure to keep kids and animals away from the bin at all times.
9. Use the right equipment.
If you’re using heavy machinery to load the skip bin, make sure to use the proper equipment and follow all safety guidelines. This includes wearing a hard hat and following all operating instructions.
10.Keep the area around the skip bin clear.
Make sure to keep the area around the skip bin clear of any obstacles to avoid tripping hazards. This includes keeping the walkway leading up to the bin free of debris. 1
11. Use the right size skip bin.
Using the right size skip bin is important for safety. A skip bin that is too small may lead to overfilling, while a skip bin that is too large may be difficult to transport. Choose the right size skip bin for your needs to ensure safety.
12.Don’t burn waste.
Burning waste is not only dangerous, but it’s also illegal in many areas. Make sure to dispose of waste properly by using a skip bin or taking it to a local landfill. 1
13.Don’t leave the skip bin unattended
Leaving a skip bin unattended can lead to accidents or vandalism. Make sure to keep an eye on the bin at all times to ensure safety. 1
14. Don’t place heavy objects on top of the lid.
Placing heavy objects on top of the skip bin lid can cause it to collapse, leading to injuries. Make sure to only place objects inside the bin, not on top of the lid. 1
15. Don’t stand on top of the skip bin.
Standing on top of a skip bin can be dangerous and may cause the bin to tip over. Make sure to stay off the top of the bin at all times.
16. Don’t put sharp objects in the skip bin.
Sharp objects such as broken glass or metal can cause injuries if they fall out of the skip bin. Make sure to wrap these objects in newspaper or cardboard before placing them in the bin to avoid accidents.
17. Don’t mix different types of waste.
Mixing different types of waste can lead to hazardous reactions or create a breeding ground for pests. Make sure to separate waste into different categories, such as paper, plastic, and organic waste. 1
18. Don’t over-compact the waste.
Over-compacting waste can lead to the skip bin becoming too heavy to transport safely. Make sure to only compact the waste to a reasonable level. 1
19. Don’t put hot ashes in the skip bin.
Hot ashes can start fires and cause damage to the skip bin. Make sure to let ashes cool down before disposing of them in the bin.
20. Don’t put liquids in the skip bin.
Liquids can create a breeding ground for pests and can cause the skip bin to become too heavy to transport safely. Make sure to dispose of liquids separately.
21. Use Common Sense
The final tip is to always think before you act. Avoid any dangerous behaviour that could put you atr risk: like drinking alcohol when you are working.
Follow the loading instructions.
Each skip bin has specific instructions for how it should be loaded. Make sure to follow these instructions to ensure safety and proper waste disposal.
Did you Know These Facts About Rubbish in Australia?
Since we are on the topic of waste, here are some interesting facts about rubbish in Australia:
- Australians produce an estimated 64 million tonnes of waste each year – making us one of the top contributing countries to global waste production
- Most of this rubbish ends up in landfill, with only 20% being recycled.
- Australians use around 10 billion plastic bags annually, which equates to about 200 per person per year.
- Only 9% of plastic packaging is recycled and nearly half of this goes overseas for processing.
- Australia has a target to ‘zero-waste’ by 2050 meaning that all discarded materials will be re-used or recycled instead of ending up as landfill or littering our environment.
The Wrap
Safety is always number one! Remember to never endanger your own or anyone elses safety when loading a skip bin, it’s not worth the risk. Always follow local regulations and use caution when handling waste to ensure the safety of yourself and others. You don’t want to end up paying a hefty fine. In conclusion, skip bin safety is crucial for protecting ourselves and the environment. By following the tips outlined above and being mindful of our actions, we can all play a role in responsible waste management and ensure the safety of ourselves and those around us.
If you have any questions or concerns while using the bin, contact your local waste management authorities for assistance.
Fact Resources:
- https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/your-environment/recycling-and-reuse
- https://www.cleanup.org.au/StepUp
- https://ecologycenter.org/factsheets/
