Managing commercial waste is an important part of running a successful business. This is true whether you have a small retail store or a large warehouse. Waste can build up over time due to normal business operations, renovations, relocation and clean out.
Commercial waste removal may seem simple, but many businesses learn the hard way that there is more to it than meets the eye. Improper waste management can result in disrupted business operations, expensive overflows, and complications with waste disposal.
Knowing the common pitfalls of waste management can help businesses decide on the right waste management solutions, keep their business organized and efficiently remove waste.
1. Underestimating Commercial Waste Volume
An important mistake many businesses make is not adequately estimating the volume of waste their project will generate.
Commercial clean outs can generate a surprising amount of waste. Furniture and equipment removal can yield unexpected volumes of waste.
Many project waste volumes are miscalculated for many reasons. An office renovation may require the removal of old partitions as well as desks and chairs. A retail store renovation may require the removal of store fixtures as well as packaging and other construction waste.
When businesses are having a commercial waste removal in Geelong, they should take into consideration the factors above to help them better estimate the waste volume and avoid running out of skip bin space.
2. Choosing the Wrong Skip Bin Size
Selecting a skip bin that is too small for the waste load creates unnecessary complications for waste removal.
The goal is to find the right size bin to strike a balance between cost, efficiency and keeping things organized.
Selecting The Right Bin Capacity
When arranging for the pick up of a commercial bin in Geelong, businesses must assess the volume as well as the type of waste to be disposed of.
- Small office clean outs: May consist of small volumes of paperwork, packaging, and general rubbish.
- Retail refurbishments: May include fittings and shelving as well as large volumes of cardboard and other packaging.
- Warehouse clearances: Can include bulky and large quantities of general waste.
- Commercial renovations: May include heavier and larger building materials.
Geelong Skip Bin Hire can assist with the various waste management needs of businesses by providing skip bins of the right capacity and size. Discussing the project in detail with the service provider before booking can help determine the right capacity for the project.
3. Mixing Different Waste Materials Without Checking Restrictions
Another common mistake is mixing different kinds of commercial waste within the same skip bin.
Commercial rubbish may include cardboard, timber, plastics, furniture, metal, building materials and other unwanted items.
Items That May Need Special Handling
There are some items that cannot be disposed of via a general waste skip bin. These items may include:
- Chemicals and liquids
- Asbestos
- Batteries and other electronic items
- Paint and thinners
Before hiring a commercial skip bin, businesses should confirm with the provider the kinds of waste that can be disposed of.
4. Booking Rubbish Collection Too Late
Commercial waste removal is usually an afterthought during project planning.
Businesses wait until waste has accumulated before booking its removal. As a result, the storage spaces and corridors in the work premises become cluttered.
When should businesses arrange collections?
Businesses need to determine when waste will begin to accumulate and for how long the project is expected to continue, to ensure they plan for the collection of waste at the right time.
For example:
- Office relocation: Waste can be disposed of as unwanted furniture and other items are removed.
- Retail renovations: Waste removal can be planned along with the schedule of contractors and deliveries.
- Warehouse clean outs: Collection can be planned along the schedule of when stock is moved and when the warehouse is loaded.
- Property maintenance: Waste removal can be planned when the maintenance work is scheduled.
For planned collection, businesses can ensure that loading and removal of bins is scheduled when it is most convenient for them.
5. Ignoring Skip Bin Placement and Site Access
Even if the right size of skip bin is chosen, poorly planned placement can make waste removal difficult.
Properties with commercial use have limited outdoor space and often shared driveways and/or loading zones.
Important Considerations
Before commercial rubbish collection in Geelong is booked, a suitable placement for the skip bin has to be identified.
The following should be considered:
- Spaces through which collection vehicles can access the premises
- Spaces through which employees and contractors can access the premises
- Obstructions around loading docks
- Safe pedestrian movement
- Legal authority to place skip bin on public land
Placing a skip bin in an incorrect location can obstruct customer parking and pedestrian movement.
Also, collection vehicles need to be able to access the skip bin for removal.
6. Overloading the Skip Bin
Another mistake companies should avoid is attempting to fit more rubbish in a skip bin than is permitted.
Overloading can happen when employees continue adding waste after the bin reaches its designated fill level.
How to Avoid Overloading
Different waste materials have different weights. Heavier materials such as bricks, concrete and soil may reach weight limits before the bin appears full.
When comparing skip bins for a commercial project, businesses should consider both capacity and weight limits.
Some precautions include:
- Keep rubbish within the permitted fill level.
- Evenly distribute the waste throughout the bin.
- Avoid adding restricted or excessively heavy materials.
- If more waste needs to be removed, arrange for an additional skip bin collection.
There are laws and regulations governing what can be placed in a skip bin for a collection, and loading requirements that could potentially prevent safety issues, as well as ensure the collection of waste does not interfere with business operations.
7. Not Planning Around Business Hours
Rubbish collection should be timed to occur outside of regular business operating hours.
For example, a skip bin delivery to a store during peak shopping hours would impede customers and obstruct the staff. Similarly, a skip bin collection during a warehouse’s peak loading hours would also negatively impact operations.
Planning Collection to Coincide with Business Hours
When arranging the removal of commercial waste in Geelong, businesses should inform the waste management company about their preferred time for collections and deliveries.
This can help
- Minimize disruption to employees and customers.
- Keep delivery and loading areas clear.
- Arrange rubbish removal in relation to other contractor’s schedules.
- Achieve a better, more organized work environment.
Confirm the arrangements have been made before work begins, as scheduling is dependent on the availability of the waste management company.
8. Not Evaluating Waste Disposal Requirements Prior to Booking
Certain businesses look only at the price of the first skip bin hire and disregard the complete disposal requirements.
The total cost of disposal may be determined by bin size, type of waste, hire duration, weight allowances, and collection procedure.
What businesses should ask before hiring a commercial skip bin
When considering commercial skip bin hire, businesses should ask:
- What kinds of waste do you allow?
- Are there any weight restrictions?
- What is the standard skip bin hire duration?
- Is there a possibility of additional costs?
- What happens if a collection is requested before the scheduled time?
By answering these questions, businesses are able to determine the most reasonable costs of disposal and plan their budgets accordingly.
9. Not Taking Advantage of Recycling Opportunities
Materials that are recyclable are often generated during the course of a commercial clean out.
These can include certain plastics, scrap metals, and cardboard, just to name a few.
What businesses should consider separating from general waste
When arranging commercial waste removal, businesses should review the waste generated and determine if there are opportunities for recycling.
Examples of this may include:
- Cardboard boxes and packaging
- Paper and files
- Scrap metals and fittings
- Recyclable plastics
- Reusable office furniture
Determining recycling opportunities may allow businesses to improve waste management and reduce general waste disposal.
10. Not Tailoring Waste Removal Solutions to Project Requirements
No two commercial properties have the same waste disposal requirements.
A small office clearance may only generate a small volume of general waste, while a warehouse clearance may produce a significant volume of bulky waste.
What to Tell Your Skip Bin Provider
When researching skip bin hire in Geelong, businesses should give the following information:
- What kind of business/commercial premises?
- Approximate amount of waste
- Waste type
- Preferred bin placement
- Anticipated length of hire
- Any access issues for the skip bin
Geelong Skip Bin Hire provides skip bins for both residential and commercial use and assists businesses in disposing of their waste in an efficient manner.
How Businesses Can Plan Commercial Rubbish Collection More Effectively
Businesses should ensure they have a practical waste management plan to avoid these mistakes.
A Simple Commercial Waste Management Checklist
Before using a commercial skip bin:
- Determine waste type and check if there are any restrictions on disposal
- Estimate the bulk of waste
- Decide the capacity of the bin needed based on the bulk and weight of the waste
- Decide the placement of bin considering vehicle and site access, available space and permits
- Arrange collection considering the operational hours of the business
- Separate recyclable waste for disposal
A planned and organized approach to the collection of commercial waste can reduce delays and improve the site and collection process.
Geelong Skip Bin Hire is able to assist you with selecting the most appropriate skip bin for your waste disposal needs based on your business’s requirements.
Effective planning is one of the easiest ways of keeping commercial waste removal organized, practical and manageable.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which businesses require commercial waste collection in Geelong?
Rubbish collection is required during renovations, relocation, maintenance, and general clean outs for businesses such as offices, retail stores, warehouses, hospitality venues, and other commercial premises.
2. Which factors should I take into account for determining the correct commercial skip bin size?
Consider the total volume of waste to be removed, the type of waste, weight restrictions, and other factors. The commercial bin provider will assist you in deciding the right skip bin size based on your requirements.
3. Are commercial skip bins allowed for removal of renovation waste?
Yes, some types of renovation timber, packaging and other construction debris may be removed in a commercial skip bin, depending on the bin type and the provider’s terms and conditions.
4. What should businesses consider before arranging for commercial skip bin hire?
Customers should confirm bin size, waste type, weight allowance, hire period, bin collection and delivery logistics, before making the booking.
5. How can businesses prevent commercial waste collection related problems?
Accurately estimating waste to be collected, separating restricted materials, avoiding overloading, and proper planning for bin placement are some of the ways waste collection problems can be avoided. Pre-planning the collection of waste before it starts to accumulate is also recommended.
