Clear-outs, renovations, and demolitions are just some activities that require a skip bin hire. Skip bins allow for efficient waste disposal. However, just like everything else, skips must be used responsibly. That includes avoiding overfilling a skip bin, which should not be difficult if you read this blog.
Whether you are a regular residential user or a part of a professional team of builders, it’s never a good idea to exceed the bin’s capacity. Here are five reasons why:
1. Safety Concerns
You may think nothing bad will happen if you overfill a skip bin. After all, it looks like a benign act, so what could go wrong? Unfortunately, overfilled skips can quickly become unstable, which can lead to the container tipping over during transportation. This typically happens when the waste materials are above the sides. Uneven distribution is also a common culprit. When overfilled, it can result in accidents that can injure other people and damage property.
Another essential thing to think about as you continue to pile waste into the bin is the possibility of creating a road hazard. Overfilled skips are incredibly heavy. Since they are generally transported on public roads, they can pose a threat to unknowing drivers and pedestrians. Some of the waste materials may also spill on the road, which can cause disruptions and even accidents.
Get tips on how to stay safe when dealing with skips here.
2. Environmental Impact
Believe it or not, overfilled skips can affect the environment adversely. Loose waste can immediately contribute to environmental degradation, especially if the materials fall on the road. Even with the lid on, plastic bags, paper, and other lightweight waste can become vulnerable to weather conditions, leading to littering. Litter and pollution will not only disturb nearby landscapes but also natural habitats and water bodies.
If you’re transporting hazardous chemicals, oils, paints, and other similar materials, they can spill or leak if the bin is overloaded. This is a massive problem that professional businesses that offer skip bin hire should address quickly, as these chemicals can contaminate soil and water. Read this blog for tips on how to dispose of paints and solvents properly.
Overfilled bins also mean you send a higher volume of waste to a landfill. Most materials, particularly non-recyclables and non-compostables, are dumped into landfills, accelerating their filling rate. As much as possible, segregate items you think you can recycle before throwing them into the bin.
3. Legal and Financial Consequences
Some areas have strict regulations when it comes to waste disposal, and that includes the use of skips. You could be heavily penalised if you overfill the container, especially if it involves hazardous waste. This could subject you to legal consequences, such as environmental violations. If so, authorities may investigate you, which can result in legal action.
In some cases, the waste management or skip bin hire company will charge extra fees. That way, they can accommodate the collection and disposal of your overfilled skip. You may also have to pay additional clean-up costs, particularly if the waste materials litter the surrounding area.
This is not to say that you will be fined or penalised if you overfill your skip bin. Learning about your local regulations relating to skip bin use is still a smart move.
4. Unpleasant Appearance and Odours
We can all agree that an overfilled bin is often repulsive to look at. It can deter visitors, whether it is in a construction site, an office building, or in your front yard. If left there for a good amount of time, it can diminish the overall appeal of your residential home or commercial building.
Another issue with having waste protruding from the bin involves the neighbours. The last thing you want, especially if you’re a business, is complaints from nearby residents, which can result in disputes. Even if no objections are raised, it can potentially lead to strained relationships with other members of your community.
An unsightly lawn is one thing, but if the skips emit a foul odour, it can be an even bigger problem that you need to solve right away. Some smells can be hazardous, as well, which could pose health concerns. And if you are in an area with high foot traffic, it can cause discomfort and respiratory issues.
5. Inefficient Waste Management
When you overfill your skip, you could pay more for the collection service and also end up wasting more fuel. Perhaps you have to use more than one bin and add extra labour hours for the delivery and collection. This is a significant waste of resources, which multiplies your carbon footprint, along with the operational costs for the skip bin hire company.
In reality, overfilling reduces the efficiency of the container. If the waste materials are jutting at the sides or blocking the opening, it could mean you’re not adhering to the capacity and limit of the skip. This may warrant an extra bin or the need to empty it more frequently than what’s necessary.
Before you hire a skip, make sure that you estimate the amount of waste you will generate. That way, you can determine the correct skip bin size for the job. Ensure that you never pack waste too densely, as well, just to avoid overfilling. For more guidance, give us a call. We can also help you choose the best skip capacity for your project.
Rydall Seale
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