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Choosing the right bin size

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Choosing the Right Bin Size — And Why Overloading is a Big Problem

Whether you're tackling a home renovation, spring cleaning, or a large landscaping project, choosing the right bin for your waste disposal is essential. At Payless Bins, we want to make sure you get the best value for your money — and avoid any unexpected extra costs.

One of the biggest issues we see is bin overloading — both in terms of weight and height — and it’s something that can easily be avoided with a bit of planning.

Here’s what you need to know to choose the right bin and use it responsibly.

Step 1: Understand What You’re Disposing Of

Before you book a bin, take a moment to consider the type and volume of waste you're getting rid of:

  • General waste (household junk, office cleanouts)
  • Green waste (branches, leaves, garden clippings)
  • Hardfill waste (bricks, concrete, tiles, soil)

Knowing your material type helps us recommend the appropriate bin. For example, bricks, concrete, tiles, and soil are much heavier than general waste and can be disposed of cost-effectively by booking one of our specialist hardfill bins, provided the contents are not contaminated by placing other types of waste in the bin.

Step 2: Don’t Just Think Size — Think Weight

It might seem counterintuitive, but paying a bit more upfront by ordering a slightly larger bin can save money in the end. All of our general waste and green waste bins have an included weight allowance. However, it's essential to remember that the disposal of these types of waste is based on weight, so exceeding the allowance for the bin you've ordered will result in additional charges. For that reason, if you're not entirely confident that the weight of your waste is within the weight allowance, you're probably better off ordering one of our larger bins, which come with a greater weight allowance.

Step 3: Never Load Above the Rim

In most cases, the top of the bin you've ordered is the fill line. There are some exceptions where the fill line is below the top of the bin, but we'll communicate that clearly upon delivery if that is the case.

Overfilled bins can be dangerous to transport, as items above the rim may fall out during transit.

We are legally prohibited from moving bins that are loaded above the rim.

To avoid disappointment or additional costs, always ensure all waste stays below the rim. If in doubt, call us for advice — we’d rather help you choose a more suitable bin than leave you stuck with an uncollected one.

Step 4: Talk to Us About Mixed Loads

Some customers need to dispose of a combination of waste types — for example, green waste and hardfill debris (bricks, concrete, tiles, soil). That’s generally not a problem as long as you don't exceed the weight allowance for the bin you've ordered. In general, a small amount of hardfill is not a problem, but if there is any chance you're going to exceed the weight allowance, please talk to us. We'd rather work with you on a combination of bins that best suit your needs than have you incurring substantial overweight charges.

Step 5: Still Unsure? We're Here to Help

Choosing the right bin isn’t always straightforward — and that’s exactly why we’re here. At Payless Bins, we’d rather answer your questions upfront than charge you extra later.

Give us a call or fill out our online contact form with a brief description of what you're planning, and we’ll help you select the perfect bin for your needs.

Key Takeaways:

  1. ✅ Match your bin size to the type and weight of waste
  2. ✅ Never overload your bin — keep waste below the rim
  3. ✅ Let us know if you're disposing of heavy or mixed materials
  4. ✅ Ask us for advice if you’re unsure — we’re here to help!

Ready to book a bin?

Book online or give us a call. We're here to make your cleanup easy, affordable, and safe!