Skip bins are a viable waste management alternative for homeowners and businesses. Hiring a skip bin is not as straightforward as many would think. Slight miscalculations when hiring the bin could cause disappointments when the bin arrives at your home. 

Your immediate concern should be whether there are laws that control the use of skip bins in your area. Therefore, assess local environmental regulations, strata development, and resident association bylaws. In some areas, you could need a permit to use a skip bin. Alternatively, you could have to pay for skip bin use. 

Your next task is to identify a skip bin hire company. Some of your concerns when choosing a skip bin hiring company should include: 

• What is the company's reputation? Look out for positive reviews such as timely deliveries, responsive customer care, and friendly pricing.
• Check the company's area of operation. Local companies will charge cheaper since they do not have to travel long distances to deliver or pick the skip bin.
• Other than skip bin hire, what other services does the company offer? For instance, some companies will offer commercial and residential cleaning services.
• Compare the pricing of various reputable companies. It would be wise to negotiate the prices before hiring. Besides, insist on a fixed charge. 

You must understand the terms of skip bin hire. Most companies will customise their conditions to suit your needs. For instance, you would want to know how often they will pick the skip bin. If your home or business produces a lot of waste, you may need more frequent pickups. As a rule, you should ask the company to clean up the area after picking the skip bin. Most companies have strict regulations regarding where they can place skip bins. For instance, you must prove that the skip bin is placed on your property. Besides, the area should be accessible to the crane truck that will deliver and pick up the bin. Overhead hazards such as low-lying branches and electrical wires could pose significant risks. 

Most companies will compel you to disclose the waste that you will place in the skip bin. Most companies will accept organic waste and combustible materials such as wood, paper, and plastics. However, you must inform the company if you intend to dispose of medical waste, chemicals, e-waste, or toxic substances such as lead and asbestos. It ensures that the company disposes of your waste in an appropriate facility. Besides, it protects company staff from the health impacts of improper waste handling.