Hidden Charges Behind the Cheap Skip Bins | Need A Skip Now

5 Hidden Charges Behind the Cheap Skip Bins

When it comes to hiring skip bins, the promise of a cheap deal can be enticing. However, what often goes unnoticed are the hidden charges that can quickly add up, making that bargain bin not so cheap after all. To help you avoid unexpected costs, we've outlined five common hidden charges to watch out for when ordering cheap skip bins.

Why This Information is Important in 2024

Understanding hidden charges is crucial to avoid unexpected costs when renting a skip bin. These charges can significantly increase your total expenses, making what seemed like a cheap option far more expensive.

Prevents unexpected financial strain
Helps in accurate budgeting for projects
Ensures informed decision-making
Avoids disputes with skip bin providers
Enhances overall planning and project efficiency

Knowing about hidden charges ensures you can plan your waste disposal effectively and stick to your budget without surprises.

1. Mattress Disposal

Mattresses can be tricky to dispose of due to their size and materials. Some skip bin hire companies either refuse to accept them or charge exorbitant fees for their disposal. For example, a company might charge $137.50 per mattress unit due to the difficulty in recycling or disposing of the materials properly.

Moreover, it's crucial to note that old-style material bed bases, which often contain metal springs, can also incur additional costs. These materials are heavier and require special handling, potentially leading to extra charges beyond the standard waste disposal fees.

2. Carpet Disposal

Similar to mattresses, carpets can pose challenges for skip bin companies. Some providers may either refuse to accept carpet waste or impose high fees based on the area (e.g. $100 per square meter). This high cost per square meter can quickly escalate the disposal cost, especially for large carpeted areas or renovations.

Before booking a skip bin, it's advisable to inquire about their policies regarding carpet disposal to avoid unexpected costs and ensure proper waste management.

3. Tonnage Limits

While some skip bin companies advertise initially low bin hire rates, they often impose strict tonnage limits, which are written in small script and are not always communicated upfront. For instance, a company might offer a standard hire rate but limit the maximum tonnage to 1 tonne. If your waste exceeds this limit, additional charges can be significant, ranging from $300 to $400 per tonne.

To avoid these hefty additional costs, accurately estimate your waste volume and choose a skip bin size that accommodates your needs without exceeding the tonnage limit. It's essential to clarify the tonnage restrictions and associated costs upfront to make an informed decision.

4. Daily Charges

Most skip bin hire companies include a standard rental period in their pricing, some up to 3 days and others up to 7 days. However, exceeding this period can result in daily rental charges, which can be as high as $100 per day.

If your project requires a skip bin for an extended period, consider the total rental cost, including any additional daily charges. Some companies offer flexible rental terms or discounts for longer hire periods, so it's beneficial to compare options based on your specific project timeline.

5. Additional Items

When ordering a cheap skip bin, it's crucial to consider potential additional charges for specific items and services that may not be covered in the standard pricing. Here are some key considerations:

Big Branches and Tree Stumps: Skip bin companies may charge extra for large branches or tree stumps due to their size and difficulty in disposal. These items can require specialized handling or processing, leading to higher disposal fees.
Synthetic Grass: Disposing of synthetic grass can also incur additional costs. Its non-biodegradable nature and potential need for specific disposal methods can contribute to higher fees.
Tyres: Skip hire companies often charge extra for tyre disposal. Tyres are not accepted in regular waste streams due to environmental concerns and require special processing.
Cancellation Fees: It's essential to review the company's cancellation policy. Some may charge fees if you cancel a booking within a certain timeframe or under specific conditions.

Being aware of these potential extra charges ensures that you can plan and budget effectively when hiring a skip bin. Always inquire about these specific items and services upfront to avoid surprises and ensure responsible waste management practices.

Check out our previous blog post to read about the differences between ordering a skip bin directly vs price comparison websites.

Key Considerations for Successfully Ordering a Skip Bin

When ordering a skip bin, it's important to clarify all potential charges with the provider. Always ask for a detailed breakdown of costs, including any additional fees for specific items or services. Ensure that you understand the rental period and any charges for exceeding it.

Choosing the right skip bin size and accurately estimating your waste volume can help avoid excess tonnage charges. Additionally, consider the timeline of your project to minimize daily charges for extended rentals.

Check out our recent blog post for the ultimate guide to annual house clean-ups.

Most Common Things That Can Go Wrong, When Hiring a Very Cheap Skip Bin

Illegal Waste Disposal

According to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), people generating or handling waste must manage their risks on-site and during disposal. In other words, you as a waste producer are responsible for where your waste ends up. Here at Need a Skip Now, we ensure waste is disposed of according to regulations, therefore your waste is separated and recycled at our waste transfer station located in Clayton South.

For more information on illegal dumping, please check out our earlier blog post.

Non-existent customer service

Booking cheap bins often means non-existent customer service, making it difficult to speak with a person or get any telephone or email support. When prices are too low, corners are cut, often in the customer service department. Unlike these cheap options, we offer excellent customer service, with proficient logistics coordinators who prioritize your jobs, adjust schedules as needed, and keep you updated on pickups and deliveries. We ensure a smooth process by asking detailed questions about your project, discussing truck access, and offering multiple contact methods.

Check out our previous blog post to read about the reasons why to have a great relationship with your skip bin supplier.

Unreliable deliveries and pickups

One of the major risks of booking cheap skip bins is unreliable delivery and pickup dates. Bins may not arrive on site as scheduled, or worse, may not be picked up for weeks, causing significant delays and disruptions to your projects. This unreliability can halt your progress and increase costs. In contrast, our service prioritizes timely delivery and pickup, ensuring your bins are where you need them when you need them.

Here at Need a Skip Now, we provide clear delivery and pickup times and maintain open communication channels to monitor your bin's status and ensure it is promptly collected once ready, keeping your project on track.

Taking it to the Next Level: How to Optimize Your Skip Bin Rental

To enhance your skip bin rental experience, plan your waste disposal process meticulously. Separate different types of waste to avoid additional charges for specific items. Consider recycling options for items like mattresses and carpets to reduce disposal costs.

Communicate clearly with the skip bin provider about your needs and timeline. Establish a good relationship to negotiate flexible terms or discounts for longer rental periods. By optimizing your rental, you can manage waste more efficiently and cost-effectively.

To learn about how to save money by hiring bigger skip bins, check out our previous blog post.

Alternatives to Traditional Skip Bin Hire

If traditional skip bin hire seems too costly or inflexible for your needs, consider utilizing our trailer tipping service at our Clayton South waste transfer station. We accept various types of waste, including mixed fill, mixed rubble, builders waste, and vegetation/soil, priced at $100 per cubic meter including GST.

Our waste transfer station is located at the corner of Deals Rd & Fraser Rd, Clayton South, VIC, 3169 (enter via Deals Rd). We are open Monday to Friday from 8am to 2pm and Saturday by appointment only. For more details and our 2024 price list, click here.

Conclusion

In conclusion, being aware of hidden charges when ordering cheap bins can save you from unexpected expenses. By understanding the various costs associated with items like mattresses, carpets, and tonnage limits, you can make informed decisions and budget effectively. From our experience, clear communication with skip bin providers and thorough planning of the waste disposal process are key to a successful and cost-efficient project. Always consider alternative options and negotiate terms to optimize your skip bin rental experience.

To read more on the risks of booking with cheap bin suppliers, check out our recent blog post.

Here, at Need a Skip Now – we love to chat to our existing and potential customers. If you have a project coming up – whether it’s your residential clean up, a landscaping project or a multi-site building projects – we are available for an obligation free chat and to discuss waste management solutions for your project.