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Truck Turning Circles and Dimensions

For safe and reliable bin collections, trucks need adequate space to enter, manoeuvre, and exit your site. Understanding truck turning circles and dimensions helps ensure your bins are serviced without access issues or safety risks.

✅ Why Truck Space Matters

  • Safety – tight turns or restricted access increase the risk of accidents or property damage.

  • Efficiency – drivers need enough space to position trucks for bin lifting.

  • Compliance – waste collection vehicles must meet road and access requirements, including minimum turning radii.

  • Preventing futile fees – poor access can result in missed collections and additional charges.

✅ Typical Truck Dimensions

(Exact sizes can vary depending on bin type and provider fleet, but the following are standard guidelines.)

  • Rear lift trucks (small wheelie bins)

    • Length: ~6–7 metres

    • Width: ~2.3 metres

    • Height clearance: ~3.5 metres

    • Turning circle: ~10–12 metres

  • Front lift trucks (large steel bins, 1.5m³–4.5m³)

    • Length: ~8–9 metres

    • Width: ~2.5 metres

    • Height clearance: ~4 metres (plus space above bin for lifting arms)

    • Turning circle: ~15–18 metres

  • Skip bin trucks

    • Length: ~7–9 metres (depending on skip size)

    • Width: ~2.5 metres

    • Height clearance: ~3.8 metres

    • Turning circle: ~15 metres

✅ Site Access Requirements

  • Clear entry and exit – driveways should be wide enough for truck entry without sharp turns.

  • Turning space – allow enough room for trucks to manoeuvre and align with bins.

  • Overhead clearance – avoid low awnings, trees, or wires that could block lifting arms.

  • Solid surfaces – bins and access paths should be on stable, level ground.

  • No obstructions – cars, fences, or landscaping should not block the path.

❌ Common Access Issues

  • Narrow laneways or tight corners.

  • Underground car parks with low ceilings.

  • Overhead wires, trees, or signage above bin areas.

  • Shared spaces where vehicles block access.

  • Insufficient driveway width or turning radius.

Household Context

Truck turning requirements don’t apply to household council services—these are designed for small street-legal trucks. Waster’s requirements are for commercial bin services using larger vehicles.

Quick Reference

Truck Type Min. Clearance Height Turning Circle
Rear lift ~3.5m ~10–12m
Front lift ~4m (plus space above bin) ~15–18m
Skip truck ~3.8m ~15m

Best Practices Summary

  1. Check truck dimensions against your site layout before booking bins.

  2. Provide Waster with accurate site details and diagrams if access is tight.

  3. Ensure clear overhead clearance and turning space at all times.

  4. Contact Waster if you’re unsure—our team can advise or arrange a site inspection.

Conclusion: Plan Access to Prevent Problems

Every site is different, but all trucks need safe turning space and overhead clearance. By planning ahead and providing accurate details, you’ll avoid access issues, futile fees, and ensure smooth collections.

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