How Do You Safely Lift and Empty a Heavy Wheelie Bin?

Moving and emptying wheelie bins is a routine task in thousands of Australian workplaces. However, when a bin becomes heavy, the task can create significant manual handling risks.

A 240L, 360L, 660L or 1100L wheelie bin can become difficult to move, particularly when it is full, the waste is unevenly distributed or the bin needs to be tipped manually.

For businesses that regularly handle heavy bins, the question is not simply “Can someone move it?” but “Is there a safer and more efficient way to do it?”

What makes a wheelie bin a manual handling risk?

Manual handling includes activities such as lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, carrying and moving objects. WorkSafe Queensland identifies repetitive or sustained force, high or sudden force, repetitive movement and awkward posture as characteristics that can contribute to hazardous manual tasks.

Moving a heavy wheelie bin can involve several of these factors at once.

For example, a worker may need to:

• Push or pull a heavily loaded bin.
• Manoeuvre it over uneven ground.
• Tilt the bin backwards.
• Hold the weight while positioning it.
• Lift or tip the bin into another container.
• Repeat the task throughout the working day.

The risk can increase significantly when the task is performed repeatedly.

How can heavy wheelie bins be emptied more safely?

The first step should always be to assess the task and consider whether the manual handling can be eliminated or reduced.

WorkSafe Queensland recommends using the hierarchy of controls when managing hazardous manual tasks, with elimination being the most effective control and other controls used where elimination is not reasonably practicable.

Mechanical equipment can be an important part of this approach.

A wheelie bin lifter or bin tipper can allow a worker to position a bin into the equipment and mechanically raise and tip it, rather than requiring the worker to manually lift the contents.

WorkSafe Victoria specifically recommends mechanical aids such as mechanical wheelie bin lifters where lifting and handling waste creates a workplace risk.

When should a business consider a bin lifter?

A bin lifter may be worth considering where:

• Bins are frequently heavy.
• Workers empty multiple bins each day.
• Bins need to be tipped above ground level.
• Workers are experiencing difficulty moving or tipping bins.
• The task involves repetitive pushing, pulling or lifting.
• A workplace has identified manual handling as a risk.
• Large 660L or 1100L bins are being handled.
• The business wants to improve efficiency as well as safety.

Choosing the right bin lifter

Not every business needs the same type of equipment.

Smaller operations may benefit from manual-assist equipment, while facilities handling large commercial bins may require hydraulic or powered lifting equipment.

The right solution depends on:

• Bin size and weight
• Number of bins handled
• Required tipping height
• Frequency of use
• Available space
• Power availability
• Type of receiving container
• Workplace layout

ASK Equipment Sales supplies a range of wheelie bin lifters and waste handling equipment for commercial, industrial and workplace applications.

If your business is regularly moving or emptying heavy wheelie bins, it is worth assessing the task before an injury occurs.

Looking for a safer way to handle heavy bins? Contact ASK Equipment Sales to discuss the right bin lifting solution for your workplace.