What Are the Permit Requirements for Skip Bins in Melbourne?

The skip bin is by far one of the most convenient methods of waste collection and disposal, especially in the bustling city and surrounds of Melbourne. You can get rid of your rubbish in your own time, not on someone else’s schedule, and the variety of skip bins available means that there’s an effective option for everyone.

However, the humble skip does come with a few (easy to navigate) caveats. Local council permits and approval are required to order a skip bin and getting it wrong can cost you in fines and lost time.

Let’s get into all the Melbourne skip bin hire regulations that you need to know.

What Permits Are Required for Skip Bin Hire in Melbourne?

First and foremost, you do not need a skip bin permit as long as the skip is placed entirely on your land, i.e. your private property. This includes your front yard, back yard, and driveway but does not include the nature strip at the front of your house. Unfortunately, the nature strip is often the most convenient place to put a skip bin, so if you’re planning to put your skip bin on this thin strip of council land, then you’ll need a permit.

However, it is not up to the individual hiring the skip bin, but the skip bin supplier that must apply for the requisite permits. So, if you’re hiring from a reputable skip bin company, take a breather. The hiring company will take care of the paperwork, and the fee will be included as part of your invoice.

Remember to consider skip bin best practices when applying and using a skip bin in Melbourne.

Understanding Melbourne’s Council Permit Regulations

All Melbourne councils require a permit for skip bins placed on public council land. This is a matter of public safety and liability as council land is open to all. This includes the nature strip at the front of your house, as well as any footpaths and, of course, the road. Not just anyone can apply for a permit either. To be eligible to apply for a council skip bin permit you must fulfil two conditions:

1. You must be a member of an authorised company that owns the skip.
2. Hold current and relevant public liability insurance.

There will be different regulations for each major council area as well. For example, most suburban areas will allow a skip bin to be placed on a street after acquiring a permit. However, in the central City of Port Phillip, the council website states, “The skip bin must not obstruct the passage of any pedestrian, cyclist or vehicle and must not obscure motorists’ view.”

For construction work, you do not require a permit if the skip bin is going to be placed inside a construction permit zone. Additionally, placing a skip in reserved or restricted parking is allowed so long as you have permission from the owner of the park. This is important for more difficult jobs, like placing skip bins for soil removal that requires construction equipment or for skips used as waste management for large events.

How to Apply for a Skip Bin Permit in Melbourne

You can apply for a skip bin permit in Melbourne (and wider Victoria) by visiting the government Roadside skip bin approval page. The entire process takes about 10 minutes. You will need evidence that you are an authorised representative of a skip bin-owning company and provide proof of public liability insurance.

Once you have assessed that you can get a permit and can also use the skip bin in the way your local council area requires, we can look at costs.

Melbourne City charges $97 per application, which goes up to fees of $194 per application if you need to either place or collect the bin outside council-approved hours, which are 7 am to 7 pm on weekdays and 8 am to 3 pm on Saturday. These additional permits are at council discretion and are not guaranteed.

Providing all the required documentation immediately is the best way to speed up your process. The other best thing you can do is make sure your plans and placement of the skip adhere to as many guidelines and requirements and do not require extra permission for restrictions in terms of skip location. Applications sent to a higher authority will take longer.

The duration of your permit will be a part of your application, and the length of the wait before approval or denial depends on the current council workload. The most common reason for denial is that the placement is unsafe or too much of an obstruction to the public.

What Happens If I Don’t Get a Permit?

If you don’t get a permit before placing a skip bin, you may be faced with fines and penalties for non-compliance. Council permits cost only $97, while fines for non-compliance can and do reach $1000. In our opinion, it’s simply not worth the risk.

Skip bin companies may face further penalties and restrictions for industry non-compliance. For unsafe placement that risks placing the public in danger (such as skips on the road that are difficult to see at night), additional legal measures may be taken.

Always seek to get a permit before placing a skip on public land. If the permit does not come through or gets denied, you can place the skip fully on private land or apply again with changes to your application.

Responsibilities of the Skip Bin Hire Company

Your skip bin company will be the one to apply for and manage all council permits and regulations. They will have the expertise to know which size you need, how to manage access and roads, how to be respectful in skip placement for vehicles, other residents and businesses, as well as any other community laws, policies or rules that need to be respected.

Skip bin companies also have obligations and commitments in terms of safe waste removal and environmental considerations. To see more about what happens to your waste after the skip bin is taken away, see our helpful guide.

Common FAQs About Skip Bin Permits in Melbourne

Q. Do I always need a permit for a skip bin?

A. No, if your skip is going to be located entirely on your own private land, you do not need a permit.

Q. What is the difference between residential and commercial skip bin permits?

A. Residential bins are generally more straightforward as they typically deal with old furniture, plant cuttings, or dirt. Commercial skip bin permits are a bit more complex as they often deal with hazardous waste and materials. Commercial permits will have regulations related to the environment and public safety.

Q. How long does it take to get a skip bin permit in Melbourne?

A. Most councils, such as Yarra City, will have your application back to you within 24 hours, provided all required documentation is included.

Ready to Book a Skip?

Permits aren’t just a piece of annoying paperwork. They are the law. If you plan to place a skip bin on council land, you will need to apply for a permit and then keep to the permit’s regulations.

It is always best to contact your local skip bin company to discuss your plans and how you intend to use the skip. They can assist with permits and skip bin hire and help you get your waste gone much sooner.

Visit us to find the nearest reputable skip bin hire company in your area.