Commercial vs Residential Bin Hire: Key Differences You Should Know
Whether you’re spring cleaning, moving or renovating, hiring a bin is a great way to stay organised and safely dispose of waste. However, because bins come in a range of different sizes and styles, it’s just as important to hire the right one.
In this article, we’re going to cover the key differences between residential and commercial bin hire. Hopefully this information will help you select a suitable bin and get everything on track.
Let’s get started.
Residential and Commercial Bin Hire: What Are the Differences?
Residential bin hire is perfect for home projects such as renovations, moving, decluttering and general clean-ups. Whether you’re clearing out a garage or tackling a larger renovation, bins between 2m³ to 8m³ tend to work well.
Commercial bin hire is designed for businesses, offices, retail stores, restaurants and construction sites, with options for larger volumes and ongoing waste. Our larger Hooklift bins are also available for high-volume commercial and construction projects.
So, what’s the real difference?
It mainly comes down to the size, amount, type and frequency of waste. There is plenty of overlap, too, so don’t worry if you’re unsure which option you need. Tell us what you’re working on and we can help you choose the right bin.
How to Find the Right Bin Hire Type
1. The scale of the waste
Residential bin hire is generally used for household projects such as moving, decluttering, renovations and clean-ups. Commercial hire can involve much larger volumes from offices, retail stores, restaurants, construction sites and industrial facilities.
We have different bin sizes available to accommodate these varying requirements, from smaller skips for household clean-ups through to much larger options for commercial and construction projects.
2. The type of waste
At home, you might be disposing of old furniture, household junk, garden waste or renovation materials. Commercial waste can include office rubbish, packaging, food waste, building materials and non-hazardous industrial waste.
The type of waste matters because some materials have different disposal requirements and can affect the type of bin you need.
3. The bin size
Residential projects commonly use our 2m³ to 8m³ Marrel skip bins. Smaller bins are suitable for clean-ups and smaller renovations, while our larger 6m³ and 8m³ options provide more capacity for major renovations and bulky waste.
Commercial and construction projects can require much greater capacity. Our larger Hooklift bins are designed for high-volume waste and are available in sizes up to 31m³.
4. The type of bin and loading access
For many residential jobs, a Marrel skip is a practical choice, particularly where space is limited. Our smaller Marrel bins are top-load only, while larger options are available with wheelbarrow doors or ramps.
For larger commercial, construction and industrial projects, a Hooklift bin may be more suitable. These provide greater capacity but have different delivery and access requirements.
5. How often you need the bin
Residential hire is usually connected to a specific project. You might hire a bin while you’re renovating, moving house, clearing out a garage or tackling a major garden clean-up. Once the project is finished, the bin is collected.
Commercial waste can be more ongoing. A business, construction site or industrial operation may generate waste continuously, making regular bin hire a practical part of its waste management.
6. Where the bin needs to go
The location and available access can also differ.
At home, a bin will often be placed on a driveway or another suitable area around the property. Commercial bins may need to be positioned at a construction site, warehouse, factory, retail premises or office.
Before delivery, we need to know where you want the bin placed and whether there is enough room for our truck to safely deliver and collect it. Marrel and Hooklift bins also have different access requirements, so this is something we’ll discuss with you when arranging your hire.
7. The way waste is generated
Residential waste is often produced during one-off projects. You might spend a weekend clearing out your home or several weeks completing a renovation.
Commercial waste is more likely to be generated as part of ongoing business operations. An office may continually produce general rubbish and paper waste, while a construction site can produce building waste throughout the project.
8. What happens if you choose the wrong size
For a residential project, choosing a bin that’s too small can mean running out of room before the job is finished. In the case of a commercial or construction project, an overflowing or undersized bin can also take up valuable space and potentially interrupt work.
That’s why we recommend looking at the amount, type and weight of your waste, rather than simply choosing a bin based on whether you’re a residential or commercial customer.
Ready to get your skip bin? Call 0427 166 444 to hire or get a free quote online!
Finding the Right Bin Size
Choosing the right size is one of the most important parts of hiring a bin.
A bin that’s too small can leave you running out of room halfway through the job, potentially requiring another collection. A bin that’s much larger than necessary can mean paying for space you don’t use.
Our bins are available in the following styles:
- Standard bins: 2m³ to 8m³
- Hooklift bins: 3.8m³ to 16m3
- Marrell bins: 2m³ to 10m³
As a rough guide, our 2m³ bin is equivalent to around three trailer loads or eight wheelie bins. A 3m³ bin is around four-and-a-half trailer loads or 12 wheelie bins, while an 8m³ bin is around 12 trailer loads or 36 wheelie bins.
If you’re unsure about the size, tell us what you’re working on and what materials you’re removing. We can help you choose an appropriate option.
What Can You Put in a Skip Bin?
The type of waste you have is another important consideration.
We accept a range of common materials, including:
- Green waste, such as garden trimmings, branches and grass clippings
- General rubbish, including household items, old furniture and junk
- Building materials, including bricks, tiles, concrete and plaster
- Commercial waste, including office waste, packaging and light materials
- Industrial waste, including factory debris and non-hazardous by-products
However, some materials cannot go into a standard skip bin.
Prohibited Materials
Do not place the following materials in your bin:
- Wet paint or liquid paint
- Petrol, thinners, solvents or oils
- Asbestos, whether bonded or loose
- Gas bottles, BBQ cylinders or LPG tanks
- Tyres
- Lithium or lead-acid batteries
Chemicals, biological waste and other hazardous materials may also require specialist disposal. If you have something you’re unsure about, ask us before putting it in the bin. Incorrect disposal can result in additional charges and may lead to a load being rejected.
So, Which Type of Hire Do You Need?
The distinction isn’t simply small bins for homes and large bins for businesses.
A homeowner completing a major renovation may need an 8m³ bin, while a small business cleaning out an office may only need a smaller skip. A large construction or industrial project, meanwhile, may require one of our high-capacity Hooklift bins.
The right choice comes down to what you’re throwing away, how much waste you have, how heavy it is, where the bin needs to go and how long you’ll need it. If you’re unsure, give us a call and we’ll help you work out which option is right for your project.
Still Not Sure? Ask the Experts
Residential and commercial bin hire can look quite different, and choosing the right option really comes down to the type, volume and frequency of waste you’re dealing with. From a small home clean-up to a large construction project, we have bins to match any need.
If you’re unsure which bin or size is right for your project, give us a call. Tell us what you’re working on and what you need to dispose of, and we’ll help you find a suitable option.
From residential bin hire to commercial bin hire, we’re the team that’s trusted by thousands of customers across. Call 0427 166 444 for expert advice and a free quote.
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