Short answer: if the skip sits on your own property — your driveway or front yard — you don’t need a permit. You only need a council permit when the bin has to go on the road, footpath or nature strip, because that’s council-managed land.
It’s the single most common question we get, and getting it wrong can mean a fine or a bin that can’t be delivered where you wanted. Here’s exactly how skip bin permits work across Melbourne, what they cost, and the rules for the council that covers your suburb.
No permit is required if the skip is placed entirely on private property, including:
As long as the bin and the delivery truck can access the space, keeping it on your property is the easiest, cheapest and fastest option — there’s nothing to apply for and no waiting.
You’ll generally need a council permit (sometimes called a “skip bin permit”, “bin on road permit” or “asset protection permit”) if the skip is placed on:
This is common on Melbourne’s tighter inner-city and terrace streets — think Brunswick, Coburg, Fitzroy and Richmond — where there simply isn’t off-street room for a bin. In those cases the council needs to know a bin is occupying public space so it can be marked safely (reflectors and lighting at night are often required).
Permit fees are set by each local council, not by the skip provider, and vary based on the council and how long the bin stays out. They’re typically a modest fee on top of your hire cost. Because councils update their fees each financial year, we don’t quote a fixed figure here — always confirm the current amount with your council (or ask us and we’ll point you to the right page).
Your permit is issued by whichever council governs your street. Here’s the council for each of the areas we cover, so you know exactly who to check with:
| Suburb | Local council | Permit likely if on road/nature strip? |
|---|---|---|
| Brunswick | Merri-bek City Council | Yes |
| Coburg | Merri-bek City Council | Yes |
| Werribee | Wyndham City Council | Yes |
| Craigieburn | Hume City Council | Yes |
| Glen Waverley | City of Monash | Yes |
| Dandenong | City of Greater Dandenong | Yes |
| Frankston | Frankston City Council | Yes |
Not on the list? Most metro Melbourne suburbs fall under one of around 30 councils — tell us your address and we’ll confirm which one applies to you.
No permit is needed if the skip sits entirely on your own property, such as your driveway or front yard. A council permit is usually required only if the bin goes on the road, footpath or nature strip, because that’s council-managed land.
Fees are set by each council and depend on how long the bin stays out — typically a modest amount on top of your hire. Confirm the current fee with your local council, as it changes each financial year.
The permit is issued by your council. Many providers (us included) will help you lodge it, or you can apply directly. Call us and we’ll talk you through your council’s process before delivery.
Keep the bin on your own property. If the driveway or front yard has room for the skip and truck access, no permit is required.
Related: Mini skip bins · Commercial skips · All Melbourne suburbs