How to find a good rubbish removal service in Auckland (or anywhere else for that matter!)

When you have decided it is time to have a big clean-up around your home or business often there is too much rubbish to just put on a trailer and take to the rubbish dump. Often there is not a public access rubbish dump nearby, especially if you live in Auckland. Most general rubbish is sorted and recycled where possible. You need a good rubbish removal company who can leave a suitably sized bin at your place, and collect again when you have filled it.

Steps to finding a good rubbish removal company:

There are a few things you should know about your rubbish before contacting a rubbish removal service. You need to have a rough estimate as to how much rubbish you have. Most companies that hire out rubbish skips have 4 bin sizes. They are 3, 4.5, 6 or 9 cubic metres in size. A 3 cubic metre bin holds approx 4 car trailerloads of rubbish to a maximum weight of 400kg, whilst a 9 cu m bin holds about 10 trailerloads or 1.5 tonne. Check with the bin hire company on their particular sizes of bin to get the right one for your job.

Also you need to be clear on what types of rubbish you have. Whether its General rubbish, Green Waste, Recyclable, Hardfill or Cleanfill often makes a difference on the type of bin you need and what charges apply.

You need to determine exactly where on or near your property the bin is going to be delivered . Note any possible access problems, eg trees, drains, narrow driveway.

Questions you should ask to ensure you get the right waste bin for the job:

What size bins does the company supply?

How long can I keep the bin while loading?

Is there an extra charge for keeping the bin longer?

What are your charges and how do I pay? Do you accept cheques?

Do I have to be home when the bin is delivered or collected?

Can you deliver a bin on (name day of week)?

Will you call me before the bin is delivered or collected? My contact number is xxxxxx.

Are there any extra charges I should know about?

Rubbish Bin Companies get many Frequently asked Questions, some of which are answered here:

Q. What is "General Rubbish"?

A. General rubbish is any rubbish that does not contain any of the following: Fibrolite (Asbestos), paint, tyres, large tree stumps, hazardous goods, medical waste, pharmaceuticals, bulk food waste and hardfill (ie rocks, bricks, soil, concrete, stones or asphalt).

Q. What is "Green Waste"?

A. Plant material, excluding roots with soil attached.

Q. What is considered to be "Recyclable Waste"?

A. The following is generally considered to be recyclable waste: Cardboard, metals, plasterboard, timber, electrical wiring.

Q. What is the "landfill levy" ?

A. An extra levy, normally included in the bin hire charge, for dumping non-recyclable waste in landfills.

Q. Does the landfill levy apply to recyclable waste?

A. No, but it must contain no hardfill or general waste.

Q. Can I move the bin after it has been delivered?

A. No, without permission from the bin company. Moving the bin without permission may incur extra charges, especially if the bin is damaged or results in difficulty retrieving.

Q. What is "hardfill" rubbish?

A. Hardfill is concrete, stone, rocks, bricks (not soil or clay " see "cleanfill")

Q. What is "cleanfill"?

A. Clean soil or clay that is dry and does not contain rocks, concrete or rubble.

Q. What are "hazardous wastes"?

A. These include asbestos, liquid paint, liquid concrete, acids, solvents, or oil. There are other hazardous wastes, so call the Bin Company if you are unsure. Any injury or damage caused by hazardous substances maybe reported to and followed up by OSH (Occupational Safety & Health).

Things you should know about filling your waste bin:

Bin must not be filled past the top level of the bin

If the bin has doors, these must be fully closed before the bin is removed.

If you want to dispose of glass, phone the bin company. Sometimes small amounts of glass are acceptable as general rubbish depending on weight or amount of glass.

You risk having your rubbish returned if you put hazardous goods, hardfill or medical waste and food waste in a bin hired for general rubbish or recyclable rubbish.

Do not light fires in the bin.

Overloaded or bins with insecure loads cannot be transported due to Road Rules and OSH requirements.