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Cost Explainers

How to Avoid Overweight Charges on Hooklift Bins

Every hooklift bin is weighed at a licensed SA EPA facility after collection. If it exceeds the included disposal weight for its size, you are charged $340 per tonne of excess. Knowing the weight of common materials and planning your load prevents costly surprises.

Overweight charges go directly to the credit card on your account, with the weighbridge details emailed to you — so knowing your likely weight before booking helps you choose the right bin size and avoid the extra cost entirely.

How bin weighing works

After we collect your bin, it goes to a licensed SA EPA-approved weighing facility. The bin is weighed full, then weighed empty — the difference is your waste weight. If it exceeds the included allowance for that bin size, you are charged $340/tonne (or part thereof) for the excess, directly to the credit card on your account. You receive an email with the weighbridge details and your receipt.

The weigh certificate is your only record of the charge. If you believe the weight is wrong, you can contest it through the facility — they record every scale reading.

Included disposal weight by bin size

Every bin can hold up to 10 tonnes maximum. The included weight varies by size. A 12m³ Medium at $1,150 includes 2 tonnes of disposal — anything over 2t costs $340/tonne extra.

Bin sizePrice fromIncluded weightMax weight
9m³ Standard$8501.5t10t
12m³ Medium$1,1502t10t
15m³ Large$1,4502.5t10t
20m³ XL$1,7503t10t
30m³ Maxi$2,1003.5t10t
40m³ Super$2,7504.5t10t

Material weight reference

  • Concrete & brick: ~2.4 tonnes per m³ (very heavy — 1m³ of concrete alone is nearly 2.5t)
  • Soil, clay, wet earth: 1.4–1.8 tonnes per m³ (depends on moisture)
  • Timber & demolition wood: ~0.5–0.8 tonnes per m³ (light)
  • Mixed renovation waste (plaster, timber, rubble): ~1.0–1.3 tonnes per m³ (light to medium)
  • Furniture & household: ~0.4–0.6 tonnes per m³ (light)
  • Green waste & garden: ~0.3–0.5 tonnes per m³ (very light)

Concrete is the weight killer. 1 cubic metre of concrete = 2.4 tonnes. A 15m³ bin with 2.5t included can only hold about 1m³ of concrete before overweight charges kick in.

Practical load-planning tips

  • Estimate volume first: 1m³ roughly equals one 6×4 trailer load.
  • If your load is mostly concrete or soil, calculate volume × material density (use 2.4t/m³ for concrete).
  • Compare your estimate to the included weight. If it's close or over, book the next size up.
  • Separate heavy materials into a dedicated bin if possible — a bin of just concrete is cheaper to handle than a mixed load.
  • Email us a photo and description of your load when you quote — we can estimate weight and flag likely overweight before you book.
  • If you're near the limit, book a second bin. A second 15m³ at $1,450 is cheaper than paying $1,020 in overweight charges (3 tonnes over at $340/t).

When to book a second bin instead

If your load is heavy and close to the limit, a second bin often costs less than paying overweight. Two 15m³ bins total $2,900 and include 5 tonnes of disposal. A single 15m³ with a 5-tonne load costs $1,450 + $1,190 in overweight = $2,640 — but that assumes perfect estimation and no surprises. Book a second bin if you want certainty.

For demolition work with a lot of concrete, always consider splitting the load across two bins or choosing a larger single bin up front.

Cost Explainers — FAQs

How is my bin weighed?
After collection, your bin is taken to a licensed SA EPA facility and weighed full and empty. The difference is your waste weight. Any excess is charged directly to the credit card on your account, and you're emailed the weighbridge details with your receipt.
Can I be charged overweight if I'm under 10 tonnes total?
No — 10 tonnes is the maximum weight any bin can hold. But you can exceed the included weight allowance (which is lower) and be charged at $340/tonne for the excess.
How much is an overweight charge?
$340 per tonne of excess over the included allowance. A 15m³ bin includes 2.5t — if it weighs 3.5t, you pay $340 for the extra 1 tonne.
Is concrete heavier than soil?
Yes. Concrete is ~2.4 tonnes per m³; soil is ~1.4–1.8 tonnes per m³. Concrete jobs need bigger bins or more careful planning.
What if I think my weight is wrong?
Contest it with the licensed weighing facility — they keep records of all scale readings. We can help you contact them.

Choose the Right Size — Avoid Overweight Charges

Not sure if your load will fit? Email us details and we'll estimate weight and recommend a bin size before you book.