When you’re planning a clean-up, renovation, or construction project, hiring a skip bin is a no-brainer for convenience. You see an advertised price online and think, “Great, that fits my budget!” But when the final invoice arrives, sometimes that initial quote has ballooned with extra fees.
At Bloom Skip Bin, we believe in transparent, upfront pricing. To help you make an informed decision, we’re revealing the five most common hidden costs in skip bin hire and the crucial questions you should ask any provider before you book.
1. The Weight Limit Trap
This is the most common surprise fee. Many companies advertise a low price for a specific bin size, but that price is tied to a strict weight limit (e.g., 250kg per cubic metre).
The Hidden Cost: If you exceed this limit, you’ll be charged a hefty “overweight fee” per tonne. This is especially easy to do with heavy materials like soil, sand, concrete, or bricks.
Question to Ask:“What is the included weight limit for this bin, and what is your fee per tonne if I exceed it?”
The Bloom Skip Bins Promise: We clearly state the included weight allowance for every bin size on our website and in your quote. We’ll also help you estimate the weight of your waste to choose the right bin.
2. The Permit Puzzle
If you need to place your skip bin on public property—like a road, footpath, or nature strip—you almost always need a permit from your local council.
The Hidden Cost: The skip bin company may apply for this permit on your behalf, but they will pass the cost directly to you. This can add a significant amount to your total bill. Some companies may not even inform you that you need one, leading to fines.
Question to Ask:“If I need to place the bin on the road, do I need a permit, and is that cost included in my quote?”
The Bloom Skip Bins Promise: We clearly advise you on permit requirements during the booking process. We handle the entire application with your local council for a transparent, upfront fee, so there are no nasty surprises.
3. The Prohibited Items Penalty
Most people know you can’t throw hazardous waste like chemicals or asbestos in a skip bin. But many don’t realise that common items like tyres, mattresses, e-waste, and paint can also incur extra charges.
The Hidden Cost: Disposing of these items requires special handling and separate recycling facilities. If you place them in your bin, you’ll likely be charged a separate fee for each prohibited item.
Question to Ask:“Can you provide a clear list of prohibited items that will incur extra fees if placed in the bin?”
The Bloom Skip Bins Promise: We provide a straightforward list of what you can and can’t put in your bin. We believe in educating our customers upfront to avoid problems later.
4. The Rental Period Fine Print
The standard rental period for a skip bin is usually 5-7 days. Life happens, and sometimes projects run over schedule.
The Hidden Cost: If you need to keep the bin longer than the agreed rental period, many companies will automatically start charging daily “overage fees,” which can add up quickly.
Question to Ask:“What is the standard rental period included in the price, and what are your fees for extending the hire?”
The Bloom Skip Bins Promise: We communicate the rental period clearly upfront. If you need more time, just give us a call. We’re flexible and will always confirm any extension fees with you before charging.
5. The “What’s Included?” Mystery
The advertised price might not include the very thing you’re paying for: the bin hire and disposal.
The Hidden Cost: Some quotes may not include GST, the delivery fee, or the landfill levy (a government-mandated fee for waste disposal). Always check if the price is “all-inclusive.”
Question to Ask:“Is this an all-inclusive quote? Does this price include GST, delivery, pickup, and all disposal/levy fees?”
The Bloom Skip Bins Promise:This is our biggest commitment to you. When you get a quote from Bloom Skip Bins, it is all-inclusive. The price you see is the price you pay (barring you exceeding weight limits or adding prohibited items against our advice). No hidden fees, no tricks.
Don’t Get Caught Out: Book with Confidence
The easiest way to avoid hidden costs is to choose a skip bin provider that values transparency. By asking these five simple questions, you can protect your budget and have a stress-free experience.
At Bloom Skip Bins, we build our business on trust, not hidden fees. We want you to feel confident and informed from the moment you get your quote to the moment we collect your bin.
Ready for an honest, upfront quote? Use our instant online quoting tool or call us directly on 0411131044. We’re happy to talk you through the costs, so you know exactly what to expect.
Call Bloom Skip Bins today — we’ll make sure you get the perfect bin for your job.
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