Ever Wondered Whether a Hook Bin is a Better Choice?
When selecting which skip bin to hire, you have the choice of a regular skip bin or a hook bin. However, if you’re anything like I was before entering the skip bin game, you may be thinking all bins are the same. Apparently not. So, to make your life easy, here is everything you need to know about hook bins.
Let’s start with the basics.
Why are They Called Hook Bins? Or Hook Lift Bins?
The answer is as logical as they come: hook lift bins are quite literally lifted off the truck by a mechanical hook lift system when delivered to your site.
Hook bins are large, rectangular, open-top waste containers that are specifically designed for the efficient transport of high-volume, heavy, or bulky waste.
So yes, this means they do require a large clearance area! You’ll need 15m in length and about 6m in height if you’re having a hook bin delivered to your site.
Related: What Sort of Skip do I need for My Waste Type?
Why are They Also Called RoRo Bins?
In RoRo bins, RoRo stands for Roll-on / Roll-off, and they are called this way because they have a unique “roll-on/roll-off” mechanism where the container is rolled onto a specialised hook-lift truck, rather than lifted with chains like skip bins. This allows for quick, high-capacity waste removal from construction sites, factories, or commercial projects. It is a term that is often used by Councils across Australia.
Related: Clean Concrete Bins
Why are Hook Bins Larger?
Unloading process aside, hook bins are larger than your regular skip bins. At JUMBO we offer 10m to – 20m hook bins, and they can be used for any waste category. Because of the larger capacity, you will generally find hook bins on large jobs and construction sites, including high-rise builds, office and shop fit-outs or possibly a double-story home clean out.
What are the Key Differences Between Regular Skips and Hook Bins?
Firstly, one key difference is the shape. Regular skip bins have sloping walls whereas hook bins have straight walls. One benefit of the straight walls is that if you have piles of old sheets or other material, you can easily stack them, and they fit neatly in the hook bin without the worry of inclined walls.
The next difference is the access doors. While some smaller specialised skip bins have access in the form of a wheelbarrow sized ramp, hook bins open completely at one end. So, you can picture one wall of actually being a door!
The full access door means that you can enter the skip to place down large and heavy items, as well as stack and arrange items for maximum fit. As opposed to throwing items over the top and hoping the “game of Tetris” sorts itself out to your advantage. Thought out stacking often results in you having a larger disposal capacity as you maximise the space.
Related: 5 Mistakes to Avoid when Hiring a Skip Bin
So How Do You Calculate the Size of the Skip You Will Need?
It can be useful to start by listing all of the largest items that you have to dispose of. Also consider the amount of time you have to break down these large items. Green waste for example can be compacted down as it is generally light and won’t lead to exceeding load limits. Bulky items, once broken down, also fit more neatly and compactly.
If in doubt, go bigger. We find that oftentimes clients will underestimate the size of the skip that they need, and on occasion need to order a second bin. This becomes more costly because you are paying for transport twice. Clients who choose bigger bins always find that they can fill them, there is often more waste laying around (site or home) that you no longer need and ordering a larger bin leaves you feeling lighter!
Related: 5 Benefits of Choosing Skip Bin Hire
Are Hook Bins More Expensive?
Yes and no. You are paying for your skip based on the volume of waste you will need to dispose of. As hook bins fit larger amounts of waste, the cost is higher, however there is no surcharge for the ‘type’ of bin.
Related: 6 Hidden Costs of Cheap Skip Bin Hire
Remember Weight Limits in Hook Bins
So your hook bin arrives, and your eyes light up, so much space for all that waste. We want you to maximise the space but also remember that hook bins have load limits of 12T!
When booking, ask our team specifically about your rubbish type. Limits apply for clean concrete and soil, so be careful! Exceeding load limits leads to additional charges, and that makes no one happy.
Related: Allowable Weights + Handy Calculations
Ready to Book a Hook Bin?
Learn more about our hook bin range.
Bookings can be made over the phone 1800 458 626, or online via the booking page on our website.