How to Safely Move Bins

Bins may look simple, but when full they are heavy industrial equipment. Moving them incorrectly can lead to serious injuries such as strains, sprains, or crush accidents.

This guide outlines the correct way to move bins safely and when professional equipment is required.

General Bin Moving Tips

Check for hazards: Before moving a bin, look for obstacles such as uneven ground, protruding objects, or debris that could snag wheels.
Don’t overload: Test the weight of a bin before moving it. If it’s too heavy, do not attempt to push it — request additional collections instead.
Wear gloves: This improves grip and provides hygiene protection.
Keep wheels clear: Remove debris from bin wheels to make moving easier and safer.
Avoid manual compaction: Never push waste down with your hands; sharp or hazardous objects can cause injuries.

Moving Wheelie Bins (240L – 1100L)

Two hands are better than one: Always use both hands to maintain control.
Push, don’t pull: Pushing reduces strain on the back and shoulders.
Avoid ramps: Moving bins on ramps is inherently dangerous. If a ramp is unavoidable, extreme caution must be taken, but wherever possible bins should not be moved on ramps.
Stairs: Never attempt to move bins up or down stairs.
Do not move overly heavy bins: If a bin cannot be moved safely, do not attempt it. Request extra collections or review service frequency.

Front Lift Bins

Front lift bins are very large and have no wheels.

They must never be moved manually.
Repositioning can only be carried out using a forklift, operated by a trained and licensed operator.
Always ensure bins remain in their agreed, risk-assessed position for safe servicing.

Skip Bins

Skip bins must never be moved manually.

They require professional equipment such as skip trucks.
Only qualified operators with the correct vehicles should move or transport skip bins.
Attempting to shift a skip bin manually can result in serious damage or injury.

Safety Reminders

Do not climb inside bins: This is extremely dangerous.
Maintain proper placement: Always ensure at least 30cm between bins for truck access, and keep bins away from low-hanging hazards.
Locks on wheels: If bins are supplied with wheel locks, always use them once the bin is in place to prevent movement.
Keep pedestrians clear: Avoid mixing foot traffic and bin movement, especially on busy sites.

Final Word

Safe bin movement comes down to three principles:

Do not move overly heavy bins.
Push, don’t pull — and avoid ramps and stairs.
Use forklifts only for front lift bins, and never attempt to move skip bins manually.

Bins are industrial assets, not household items — treating them with caution keeps your staff and site safe.