All you need to know about waste types

When hiring a skip bin, the waste you're planning to place in it really matters — waste is not all the same.

Choosing the right waste type ensures safety, avoids surprise costs, and supports eco-friendly disposal. Here’s everything Aucklanders need to know, with a focus on why Payless Bins offers you the best skip bin offerings when you're planning your next tidy up.

Ideally suited to: Most household items, building rubble (except heavy concrete, soil, bricks), discarded furniture, plastics, paper, and green waste (within limits).

Restrictions: Cannot contain concrete, soil, clay, bricks, liquids (paint, oil), tyres, or asbestos.

Why it matters: The inclusion of restricted items (asbestos/fibrolite) within a general waste bin is NOT PERMITTED and will result in substantial fines as a result of transfer stations being required to shut down and implementing hazmat procedures for the protection of their staff and customers. Another thing to be very aware of is that the disposal of general waste in Auckland is weight-based, so including hardfill in a general waste bin will very likely result in significant overweight charges. In many cases, you're much better off hiring a separate hardfill bin from us for your hardfill waste.

Ideally suited to: Garden trimmings, lawn clippings, branches — your typical organic yard waste.

Restrictions: No concrete, soil, clay, bricks, liquids, tyres, or asbestos fibrolite.

Why it matters: As per general waste bins, the inclusion of restricted items (asbestos/fibrolite) within a green waste bin is NOT PERMITTED and will result in substantial fines as a result of transfer stations being required to shut down and implementing hazmat procedures for the protection of their staff and customers. The same comments mentioned above, related to the inclusion of hardfill in general waste bins, also apply to green waste bins, as their disposal costs are also based on weight.

If you're uncertain or would like to validate your plan, please don't hesitate to give us a call. We're specialists in waste management and are always happy to help.

Ideally suited to: Heavy construction materials like concrete, soil, clay, bricks, rocks, and tiles.

Restrictions: Absolutely no other rubbish. Contaminating hardfill waste automatically causes the entire bin's contents to be reclassified as general waste, which will undoubtedly result in very high overweight charges (due to the hardfill content).

Why it matters: Hardfill waste, by its very nature, is very heavy, and having a bin reclassified to weight-based pricing is the last thing you want. Sticking to the rules and what is allowed is critical.

Ideally suited to: Asbestos fibrolite. Please note that hazardous waste requires the coordination of multiple parties and special processes.

Restrictions: Strictly asbestos/fibrolite only, and only by prior management approval.

Why it matters: Asbestos is a high-risk material. Improper disposal can lead to significant health risks, substantial fines (over $3,000), and legal consequences.

• Cost Control
• General waste bins are very cost-effective, but only when you stick to the weight allowances.
• Hardfill bins provide a specialised offering at a very reasonable price — but only if you stick to the rules.
• Environmental Impact
• Hardfill materials are typically recycled or repurposed.
• Regulatory Compliance
• Landfills impose fines and strict rules, especially for asbestos.

Clear waste categories: Choose from our General, Green, Hardfill, or Hazardous bins with confidence.

Size options galore: From 2m³ up to 15m³, with multiple offerings per waste type category.

Transparent rules: Detailed information on allowed and banned items prevent nasty surprises.

No surprises: We're upfront about what causes excess costs and how you can avoid them.

Sort first: Separate green waste, building rubble, and household trash before binning.

Ask away: Still unsure? The experts at Payless Bins are just a call away (0800 4 PAYLESS).

Understanding waste types helps you choose the right skip bin for the job, saves you money, and ensures your cleanup stays legal and green. With our clear categories, size options, and expert guidance, you're set up for a smooth, hassle‑free project from start to finish.

👉 Ready to book? Book online or call 0800 4 PAYLESS — because choosing the right bin matters.