Dunedin Skip Bin Permit Requirements and Rules

If you want to place a skip bin in a parking area, on a public road, within a road reserve, or on another council-controlled public area in Dunedin, written approval from Dunedin City Council may be required before the bin is delivered. The Council provides a dedicated Skips and Shipping Containers Permit for these placements.

There is currently no standard permit charge for a skip placed in a residential area for private use. However, a permit is still required. Skips used commercially or placed in non-residential areas—including Central, Suburban and Industrial Business Districts—may incur a permit fee. Additional charges may also apply where the placement affects parking revenue.

Where practical, placing the skip entirely on private property is usually the simplest option. Council requirements, fees and placement conditions can change, so confirm the current position with Dunedin City Council and your chosen skip bin provider before arranging delivery.

• Written approval is required: Dunedin City Council requires written approval before a skip bin is placed in a parking area, on a public road, within a road reserve or on another applicable council-controlled public area.
• The skip must be positioned safely: It must not create a hazard or nuisance for road or footpath users. If the placement becomes unsafe or obstructive, the applicant may be required to remove it at their own cost.
• Keep clear of infrastructure: The skip must be positioned away from manhole covers and access points to underground services, and more than 50 centimetres from any fire hydrant.
• Keep the skip off the footpath and kerb edge: Council conditions require the skip to be wholly on the road rather than partially on the kerb edge or footpath. Blocks may be used where necessary to level the bin safely.
• Protect driveway access: At least one metre must be left between the skip and driveway access points so vehicles can enter and leave safely.
• Make the skip visible: A skip positioned anywhere on the road reserve must have white reflective markers measuring at least 100 mm × 100 mm facing oncoming traffic. It must also display the skip company’s contact details, including a 24-hour contact number.
• Notify the Council: Dunedin City Council must be advised before the skip is installed and must also be notified if its approved location changes.
• Additional costs may apply: The applicant may be charged for lost parking revenue, damage to the road or street furniture, or other costs associated with the placement.

1. Open the correct council application: Use Dunedin City Council’s online application for a Skips and Shipping Containers Permit. This is separate from the Council’s Construction Zone Permit application.
2. Provide the requested placement details: Complete the application with the information requested by the Council about the proposed location, intended dates, use of the skip and the surrounding road or parking environment.
3. Allow the Council to assess the application: DCC may consider safety, possible loss of parking revenue, potential damage to the road or street furniture, the number of parking spaces affected and the materials that will be placed in the skip.
4. Wait for written approval: Do not arrange placement on public land until the Council has approved the application. If approval is granted, DCC will send the permit and an invoice where a fee applies. Follow all permit conditions, parking requirements and applicable bylaws throughout the placement.

Tip: Ask your chosen Dunedin skip bin provider whether they can assist with the permit application or arrange it on your behalf. Provider services and charges vary, so confirm who will apply, who will hold the permit and whether any council or administration fees are included in your quoted hire price.