240L vs 660L vs 1100L Bins: Which Size Is Right for Your Business? 240L vs 660L vs 1100L Bins: Which Size Is Right for Your Business?

240L vs 660L vs 1100L Bins: Which Size Is Right for Your Business?

An objective comparison to help Melbourne businesses make the right waste management decision.

240L vs 660L vs 1100L Bins: Which Size Is Right for Your Business? — a common question for Melbourne businesses managing their waste costs. 240L bins suit businesses with 1-5 employees or very low waste volumes. 660L bins are the sweet spot for most small-to-medium businesses. 1100L bins are best for medium-to-large operations. The per-litre cost drops significantly with each size upgrade, so choose the largest bin that fills to at least 75% between collections.

  240L Wheelie Bin 660L Wheelie Bin
Cost Range$35-75/month for weekly collection$60-140/month for weekly collection
Best ForCompact — fits in tight spacesGood middle ground between capacity and footprint
Key DrawbackVery limited capacity — fills quicklyHeavier when full — harder for one person to move

240L Wheelie Bin: Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Compact — fits in tight spaces
  • Easy to move by hand
  • Lowest per-bin cost
  • Suitable for small businesses and offices
  • Easy to clean and maintain

Cons

  • Very limited capacity — fills quickly
  • Multiple bins needed for larger volumes
  • Higher per-litre cost than larger bins
  • Not suitable for bulky waste items
  • Can blow over in strong winds when empty

Typical cost: $35-75/month for weekly collection

660L Wheelie Bin: Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Good middle ground between capacity and footprint
  • Wheels for easy movement
  • Suitable for medium businesses
  • Better per-litre rate than 240L
  • Fits through standard doorways

Cons

  • Heavier when full — harder for one person to move
  • Larger footprint than 240L
  • May be too big for very small businesses
  • Still limited for high-volume generators
  • Can be awkward in confined spaces

Typical cost: $60-140/month for weekly collection

Cost Comparison

When comparing costs, consider the total cost of ownership including contract terms, overage charges, and any additional fees. 240L Wheelie Bin typically costs $35-75/month for weekly collection, while 660L Wheelie Bin costs $60-140/month for weekly collection.

Our Verdict

240L bins suit businesses with 1-5 employees or very low waste volumes. 660L bins are the sweet spot for most small-to-medium businesses. 1100L bins are best for medium-to-large operations. The per-litre cost drops significantly with each size upgrade, so choose the largest bin that fills to at least 75% between collections.

When to Choose Each Option

Choose 240L Wheelie Bin when: Compact — fits in tight spaces.

Choose 660L Wheelie Bin when: Good middle ground between capacity and footprint.

Related Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I work out what bin size my business needs?+
A quick method: fill your current bins for a week without changing habits and measure how full they are. If your 240L bin is overflowing, upgrade to 660L. If your 660L is only half full, downsize to 240L. The ideal is a bin that's 75-85% full at collection time — enough capacity for busy weeks without paying for unused space.
What's the cost difference between bin sizes for the same waste volume?+
Larger bins offer better per-litre rates. Two 240L bins collected weekly costs roughly $70-150/month. One 660L bin (equivalent capacity with some surplus) costs $60-140/month — saving up to $30/month. The jump to 1100L is even more efficient at $90-200/month. Always choose the single largest bin over multiple small bins.
Can I fit a 1100L bin through my back door?+
Standard 1100L bins measure approximately 1370mm wide x 1115mm deep x 1470mm high. They won't fit through a standard 820mm doorway. If your waste storage area has restricted access, 660L bins (1370mm wide x 780mm deep) are a better option. Alternatively, consider a front-lift bin located externally where truck access is available.
How much does each bin size weigh when full?+
Weight varies dramatically by waste type. General waste: 240L weighs 20-40kg, 660L weighs 60-120kg, 1100L weighs 100-200kg. Glass recycling is much heavier — a 240L bin of glass can weigh 70-100kg. Weight limits are enforced by providers, and overweight bins may incur surcharges or be left uncollected. Inform your provider of your waste type so they can advise on limits.
Can I mix bin sizes for different waste streams?+
Absolutely, and this is the most cost-effective approach. A typical setup might be: 660L general waste (weekly), 660L commingled recycling (fortnightly), 240L food organics (weekly), and 120L secure paper (monthly). Match the bin size to the volume of each waste stream rather than using the same size for everything.

Not Sure Which Option Is Right for You?

Our team will assess your waste setup and recommend the most cost-effective solution. Free audit, no obligation.

Get Your Free Audit →

Updated 25 June 2026