Skip bin and container companies are responsible for their safe placement:
- Skip bins and containers should be placed on the hirer’s property wherever possible.
- Companies must be permitted by Porirua City Council to allow the placement of containers or skip bins on the road or other Council property.
- Individual hirers do not have to obtain a permit.
- Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 the responsibility of safe placement of skip bins and containers lies with the person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU).
- Non-compliance can result in fines of up to $100,000.
If your bin is out on on the street and not on private property, you need to observe the following rules:
- On each bin, write your company name and a 24-hour contact telephone number.
- Bins cannot obstruct any part of the footpath at any time
- Do not place bins within 10 to 15 metres of a corner, intersection or pedestrian crossing.
- Your bin needs to have a white face that can be presented to oncoming traffic, and include a reflective marker of at least 100 millimetre by 100 millimetre on a corner that faces oncoming traffic. We recommend an RM-7 Obstruction Marker or equivalent as the minimum acceptable reflector.
- Damage to any berm or council furniture as a result of your bin is to be reinstated or repaired as soon as possible.
- Place your bin on the berm unless it is unsafe to do so, in which case place the bin on the shoulder of the carriageway. Permission needs to be sought from council for the placement of containers.
PLEASE NOTE: If the bins create a hazard within the road corridor, the offending skip bin or container may be removed by Council at the companies or owners expense.
The bins may also be removed if they are:
- Obstructing a footpath or road users
- Creating a nuisance
