Bin Placement & Site Access — Where Your Bin Goes

A hooklift bin needs space: on your driveway, on a verge with a council permit, or on a cleared site. The truck also needs room to reverse in line with the bin, and 2.7–4.0 metres of clear overhead for the hook-arm.

Common misses: powerlines and trees overhead, uneven ground, or a driveway too narrow for a truck. Email us a site description before booking and we'll confirm access — it's free, and saves a failed delivery.

Where a hooklift bin can be placed

Private driveway (most common) — on level, firm asphalt or concrete.
Private property, firm ground — a cleared yard or service area.
Public verge or footpath — requires a council permit (fees and lead time vary by council — check with your local council first).
Construction site, commercial property — flat, firm surface with truck reverse access.

Any bin placed on public land (verge, footpath, road) in SA requires a Local Government Act 1999 s.222 permit. Council fees and approval time vary. Always check with your council and submit a permit application before booking.

The truck's space requirements

Width is measured at the tightest point the truck must pass (driveway gates, fence gaps, narrow passages). Overhead clearance is clear vertical space from ground to powerlines, tree branches, or building eaves.

Powerlines and overhanging branches are the classic misses. If a line runs over the driveway at 4.2m high and you've booked a 30m³ bin (needs 4.5m), the truck cannot safely lower the bin. Email a site photo or description; the driver will assess on arrival.

Bin size	Min width needed	Min overhead clearance
9–20m³ (Standard to XL)	2.7m	4.0m
30–40m³ (Maxi & Super)	3.0m	4.5–5.0m

Ground conditions: flat and firm

The bin's rear rollers need flat, firm ground — asphalt, concrete, or packed earth. Soft ground, mud, or steep slopes cause the bin to settle unevenly, making it unliftable on collection day.

If your driveway slopes, email us a description of the slope angle. A gentle gradient (under 1:10) is usually OK; steep or uneven surfaces may need timber sleepers under the rollers to level the bin.

Protecting your driveway

Place timber sleepers (100×100mm minimum) under the bin's rear rollers to spread weight and prevent asphalt damage.
Ensure the ground is dry — soft or wet asphalt under a 10-tonne bin can compress or indent.
If your driveway is gravel or unsealed, place timber under all four corner points of the bin for stability.

Delivery day: what happens

The truck arrives in your booked window (we aim for a 2-hour window; 48 hours' notice helps). The driver checks access — width, height, ground condition. If all is clear, the hook-arm tilts back and the bin rolls down onto the ground in 2–3 minutes.

The driver will ask you to confirm the bin location and will check for hazards (powerlines, overhanging branches, uneven ground). If you spot a problem, tell the driver — they can adjust or defer if safety is at risk.

Site Prep Guide — FAQs

Do I need a council permit to put a bin on my driveway?

No — a bin on private property (your own driveway or yard) does not need a permit. Only bins on public land (verge, footpath, road) require a Local Government Act 1999 permit. Check with your council for permit fees and approval time.

What if my driveway is too narrow or has overhead wires?

Email us a site photo or description, including measurements of the narrowest gate or passage and the height to any powerlines or trees. We'll confirm whether the truck can access safely. If not, we can suggest alternatives (verge placement with a permit, or a smaller bin size if feasible).

Can the bin be placed on a slope?

Not safely. The bin must sit level on firm, flat ground. A slope causes uneven settling, which makes the bin unliftable on collection day. Use timber sleepers to level the bin if the ground is slightly uneven.

How much space does the truck need to reverse in?

At least 4–6 metres in a straight line behind the bin, on firm ground, with no overhead obstruction. The driver reverses slowly in line with the bin, tilts the hook-arm, and lowers the bin onto its rollers.

What if there's a powerline directly above my driveway?

Email us a photo showing the height and location of the line. For 9–20m³ bins (4.0m clearance needed), a line at 4.2m may work. For 30–40m³ bins (4.5–5.0m needed), a lower line is a no-go. The driver will make the final call on delivery day based on safety.