A Canberra engineer has invented a device to make taking a load of rubbish to the tip easier than it has ever been.

With the help of an innovation grant from the ACT Government, Andy Stodulka has invented what he calls the Rotaskip.

Essentially, it’s a trailer fitted with a rotating bowl that enables whatever is in the bin to be tipped out simply by using a remote control.

Andy says it’s easier and safer than any of the alternatives on the market and offers advantages for professional builders, home renovators and householders. He says by reducing the need for double handling, it’s a real cost saver for builders.

An engineer with more than 40 years’ experience, Andy has spent a lot of time on building sites – and that’s where the idea for the Rotaskip originated.

“Builders always have a lot of rubbish to get rid of, but their options are pretty limited,” Andy says.

“They can throw everything in a trailer or they can pay to have one of those rectangular bins put on the curb.

“With a conventional trailer, they’ve got to double handle everything – put the rubbish in the trailer, take it to the tip and then take it out. The large bins aren’t quite so bad, but you still waste time because you have to wheelbarrow everything to the bin.”

Andy says large bins can also create problems with neighbours.

“They stay on site for the entirety of the job. And can only be moved by a large truck with special fittings,” he says. “The hire and removal are expensive.”

By contrast, the Rotaskip can been positioned wherever it’s needed on a construction site.

“Tradies can just throw stuff out a window into the bin. No double handling.”

Andy says the Rotaskip is just as useful for the home renovator or as a replacement for a normal trailer.

“The Rotaskip can carry anything – firewood, rubbish, garden scraps, you name it.

“You can even fit separate bins: one for recycling, one for rubbish.

“And to empty out you press a button. You don’t have to physically remove everything by hand.”

The Canberra inventor’s next step is to establish a franchise so the Rotaskip can be hired out.

He’s building another prototype at his Hume factory and plans to launch the franchise in coming months.

“We’ll start small in Canberra, but eventually we plan to set up a national franchise.”