Safe Practices: Pushing and Pulling Bins

Moving bins is part of day-to-day operations for many businesses, but it comes with safety risks. Bins are heavy industrial equipment, and moving them incorrectly can lead to serious injuries such as strains, slips, or crush incidents.

The safest way to move bins is simple: push, don’t pull.

Why Pushing is Safer

• ✅ Pushing uses stronger muscle groups, reduces strain on your back and shoulders, and gives you a clear view of where you’re going.

• ❌ Pulling increases risks of twisting injuries and collisions with unseen obstacles behind you.

For this reason, bins should be pushed whenever possible.

Key Safety Practices

When moving bins:

• Always push, avoid pulling — unless absolutely unavoidable.

• Use two hands for balance and control.

• Use sufficient people to move larger or heavier bins safely — don’t attempt it alone.

• Don’t move bins if unsafe — if a bin feels too heavy or the surface is uneven, stop and request assistance or extra services.

• Train your staff — ensure anyone moving bins has been shown correct technique and understands site-specific risks.

• Secure with wheel locks once bins are in position to prevent unintended movement.

When Not to Move a Bin

If a bin feels too heavy or unsafe to handle:

• Do not try to force movement.

• Contact Waster to discuss increasing collection frequency, adjusting bin size, or arranging additional services.

Final Word

To keep your team safe when moving bins:

• ✅ Push, don’t pull.

• ✅ Use enough people for the task.

• ✅ Stop if the bin is too heavy or conditions are unsafe.

• ✅ Train staff in correct handling.

By following these steps, you’ll reduce the risk of injuries and ensure bins are handled safely on your site.

👉 For more information, see our full guide: Safe Bin Moving.