Managing household waste might seem straightforward, but in our work across Ballina, Byron Bay and the wider Northern Rivers, we’ve seen firsthand how small mistakes can lead to big problems—missed pick-ups, extra fees, and even council fines.
Whether you’re decluttering, moving out, or just doing a weekend tidy-up, avoiding a few common rubbish removal slip-ups can save time, money, and hassle.
Here are the top five mistakes we see—and how you can sidestep them.
1. Overfilling Bins or Skip Trailers
The issue: It’s tempting to cram as much rubbish into a bin or skip as possible. But overfilling beyond the lid or weight limit is a quick way to delay your collection or risk having it left behind altogether.
Why it matters: Waste contractors and councils are strict on safety and legal transport limits. Overfilled bins can’t be safely lifted or transported.
How to avoid it:
- Don’t pack bins above the rim. If you’re unsure, play it safe.
- Use a skip trailer that suits the size of your job. Our 4-cube mobile skip fits most medium clean-ups and is easy to load or you can book us to collect it.
- For large loads, speak to a removal service (like us) to break it into manageable trips.
Green Waste
Household Rubbish
2. Mixing Green Waste with General Rubbish
The issue: Many homeowners treat green waste—like lawn clippings or branches—as regular rubbish. Tossing it into the wrong bin or skip can lead to contamination issues.
Why it matters: Green waste can often be composted or recycled separately, but only if it’s not mixed with plastic, building debris, or household junk.
How to avoid it:
- Separate garden waste into bags or piles before the clean-up begins.
- Use clearly labelled green waste bags or bins.
- If you’re hiring a rubbish removal service, let them know what type of waste you have so it’s disposed of correctly.
4. Not Checking What Can’t Be Collected
The issue: Not all rubbish is created equal. Things like asbestos, tyres, paints, chemicals, and certain electronics are considered hazardous and require special disposal.
Why it matters: These items can’t go in standard bins, skips, or landfill. Trying to sneak them in often results in extra charges or the whole load being rejected.
How to avoid it:
- Check your local council’s website or ask your waste provider for a “do not collect” list.
- For tricky items, such as e-waste or chemicals, ask us about safe disposal options or upcoming community collection events.
5. Leaving Rubbish Too Long Before Booking a Removal
The issue: Life gets busy, and sometimes rubbish piles are left sitting outside for days—or weeks—before anything is done about them.
Why it matters: Apart from being unsightly, built-up waste attracts pests, can become a fire hazard, and in some shires, can land you with a fine.
How to avoid it:
- Book your rubbish removal in advance—especially before public holidays or after big garden clean-ups.
- Use scheduled bin services or recurring rubbish collection to stay ahead of the pile.
- If your property regularly produces extra waste, consider a custom plan to suit your needs.
