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Do You Need a Site Inspection?

When setting up new waste and recycling services, businesses often ask whether a site inspection is required. With Waster, most services can be arranged online without an inspection. However, while it’s not universally required, we strongly suggest getting a site inspection for obvious reasons: it helps confirm bin placement, truck access, and prevents costly mistakes down the track.

✅ Why We Recommend a Site Inspection

  • Avoid service issues – ensures bins can be placed safely and accessed easily by collection trucks.

  • Confirm bin sizes – checks that the space is suitable for the bin type you’ve ordered (rear lift vs front lift).

  • Identify access restrictions – laneways, height limits, or uneven surfaces that could impact collection.

  • Plan for future needs – inspections help recommend the most efficient setup, including multiple services or recycling streams.

  • Prevent extra charges – avoids costs from missed services or bin relocations due to poor site planning.

✅ When a Site Inspection Is Not Required

  • Standard bin services – general waste, cardboard, commingled, and organics bins can usually be booked online.

  • Straightforward access – open areas with clear truck access and space for bins.

  • Small businesses – cafés, retail shops, and small offices often have simple setups.

✅ When a Site Inspection Is Highly Recommended

  • Large or complex sites – warehouses, factories, shopping centres, or multi-tenant properties.

  • Restricted access – basements, laneways, or tight corners where manoeuvring is difficult.

  • High waste volumes – when multiple bins or frequent pickups are required.

  • Specialty services – grease traps, sharps, sanitary bins, or skips often benefit from a site check.

❌ Common Misconceptions

  • “Every service needs an inspection.” – Not true; many customers start online without one.

  • “Inspections delay setup.” – In reality, inspections speed up service long term by preventing site issues.

  • “It’s an added cost.” – A short check now saves money by avoiding missed collections or relocation fees later.

Household Context

Households don’t need site inspections — council bins are standardised. Inspections apply only to commercial and business premises.

Quick Reference

Inspection Not Always Needed Inspection Strongly Suggested
Small offices, cafés, retail shops Warehouses, shopping centres
Clear, open access Laneways or restricted access sites
Basic rear lift bins Front lift or skip bins
Low waste volumes High waste volumes or specialty services

Best Practices Summary

  1. Most Waster services can start online without an inspection.

  2. We strongly recommend a site inspection to ensure smooth operations and avoid surprises.

  3. Site checks confirm bin placement, truck access, and suitability of bin sizes.

  4. Businesses with larger or more complex setups should always book one.

Conclusion: Not Required, But Strongly Advised

While a site inspection isn’t universally required, Waster strongly recommends one. It’s the best way to make sure your bins are placed correctly, access is safe, and the right service is in place for your site. A quick inspection now can save you time, money, and headaches later.

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