Rubbish Removal Cost Australia 2025: Complete Pricing Guide
Everything you need to know about rubbish removal costs across Australia, from small household items to major property cleanouts.
Professional Removal
DIY Options
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Rubbish Removal Cost Breakdown by Australian Cities
Rubbish removal costs vary across Australia due to disposal fees, transport distances, and local regulations. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of costs in major Australian cities.
| Load Size | Sydney | Melbourne | Brisbane | Perth | Adelaide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Load (1 cubic metre) | $70-$100 | $50-$90 | $60-$85 | $55-$80 | $50-$75 |
| Medium Load (2-3 cubic metres) | $120-$180 | $80-$150 | $90-$140 | $85-$130 | $80-$120 |
| Large Load (4-5 cubic metres) | $200-$350 | $150-$280 | $170-$300 | $160-$270 | $140-$250 |
| Skip Bin (3 cubic metres) | $350-$450 | $250-$380 | $280-$400 | $270-$380 | $240-$350 |
| Tip Fees (per carload) | $40-$60 | $30-$45 | $35-$50 | $35-$45 | $30-$40 |
Types of Rubbish and Their Removal Costs
Furniture, appliances, clothing, books, and general household items.
Typical items:
- • Old furniture and mattresses
- • Broken appliances
- • Clothing and textiles
- • Books and papers
Tree branches, grass clippings, leaves, and garden prunings.
Green waste benefits:
- • Often 20-30% cheaper than general waste
- • Recycled into mulch and compost
- • Environmentally responsible disposal
- • Some councils offer free green waste days
Building materials, tiles, concrete, metal, and renovation debris.
Special considerations:
- • Heavy materials cost 50-100% more
- • Concrete requires special disposal
- • Metal can be recycled for credit
- • Asbestos requires licensed removal
Factors Affecting Rubbish Removal Costs
Volume & Weight
Small (1 cubic metre)
Single bed, few boxes
$50-$100
Medium (2-3 cubic metres)
Room clearance, appliances
$100-$200
Large (4-5 cubic metres)
Multiple rooms, renovation
$200-$400
Extra Large (6+ cubic metres)
Whole house, major project
$400-$4,500
Location & Accessibility
| Location Factor | Cost Impact | Explanation | Typical Surcharge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground floor, street access | Standard rate | Easy truck access, minimal labour | None |
| Upper floors, no lift | Higher cost | Manual carrying required | +$30-$50 |
| Long carry distance | Higher cost | Back of property, narrow access | +$20-$40 |
| Regional/remote areas | Higher cost | Travel time and disposal distance | +20-50% |
Professional vs DIY Rubbish Removal
- Full service - collection, loading, and disposal
- Licensed and insured professionals
- Proper sorting and recycling
- Heavy lifting and labour included
- Same-day or next-day service available
- No vehicle or equipment needed
Best for: Large loads, heavy items, time-sensitive cleanouts
Cost: $50-$4,500 depending on load size
Skip Bin Hire
- • Cost: $200-$600 for 1-2 weeks
- • You fill at your own pace
- • Good for renovation projects
- • Requires driveway/street space
Tip Run (Your Vehicle)
- • Cost: $30-$60 per carload
- • Multiple trips often needed
- • Time consuming but cheapest
- • Limited by vehicle size
Trailer Hire + Tip
- • Cost: $50-$120 hire + $40-$60 tip fees
- • More capacity than car
- • Requires suitable vehicle to tow
- • Loading and disposal by you
Best for: Small loads, budget-conscious, flexible timeline
Total cost: Often $100-$200 including time and vehicle costs
How to Save Money on Rubbish Removal
1. Get Multiple Quotes and Compare
Rubbish removal prices can vary by 30-40% between providers. Always get at least 3 quotes to ensure competitive pricing and service quality.
Get Free Quotes Now2. Sort and Separate Your Waste
Pre-sorting waste can reduce costs by 15-25%:
- • Green waste: 20-30% cheaper than general waste
- • Metal recycling: Can earn credit toward disposal costs
- • Electronics: Many items accepted free at recycling centers
- • Donate items: Furniture and clothing to charity for tax deduction
3. Bundle Services and Time It Right
Bundling Opportunities:
- • Combine with house cleaning services
- • Schedule with renovation contractors
- • Coordinate with neighbors for shared trips
- • Book regular services for ongoing discounts
Optimal Timing:
- • Weekdays often 10-15% cheaper than weekends
- • Off-peak seasons (winter) for better rates
- • Avoid school holidays and moving season
- • Book 2-3 days ahead for better pricing
4. Maximize Load Efficiency
Smart packing and preparation can reduce the number of trips needed:
- • Break down furniture: Remove legs from tables, disassemble beds
- • Stack efficiently: Flat items together, fill hollow items
- • Easy access: Move items to ground floor or garage beforehand
- • Clear pathways: Reduce labour time and potential surcharges
Eco-Friendly Disposal Options
Recycling Services
Professional services ensure maximum recycling and minimal landfill waste.
- • 60-80% waste diverted from landfill
- • Certified recycling processes
- • Often same cost as standard disposal
Donation Programs
Many charities offer pickup services for furniture and household items.
- • Free pickup for quality items
- • Tax deduction receipts provided
- • Reduces overall removal costs
Specialized Disposal
Electronics, batteries, and hazardous materials require special handling.
- • Free e-waste recycling programs
- • Paint and chemical disposal events
- • Battery recycling at retail stores
Why Choose Mates Rates for Rubbish Removal?
Verified Professionals
All removal specialists are background-checked with valid insurance
Better Value
Lower service fees than other platforms - more money for quality service
Eco-Responsible
Priority given to professionals who focus on recycling and proper disposal
Frequently Asked Questions
What's included in professional rubbish removal service?
Professional rubbish removal typically includes collection, loading, transport, and proper disposal of your waste. Many services also include sorting for recyclables, basic cleaning of the area, and disposal receipts. Labour, vehicle, and disposal fees are usually included in quoted prices.
How do I estimate the volume of my rubbish?
Use these rough guides: 1 cubic metre = a washing machine, 2-3 cubic metres = contents of a standard bedroom, 4-5 cubic metres = a two-bedroom apartment cleanout. Most companies offer free quotes where they assess volume on-site. Take photos if requesting online quotes.
What items cannot be removed by standard rubbish services?
Most services exclude hazardous materials (asbestos, chemicals, paint), liquids, food waste, medical waste, and sometimes tyres. Very heavy items (pianos, safes) may incur additional charges. Always ask about restrictions when booking. Specialized removal services exist for excluded items.
Is it worth hiring professionals vs DIY disposal?
Professional removal becomes cost-effective for loads over 2-3 cubic metres, heavy items, or when you value convenience. Factor in your time, vehicle costs, multiple tip runs, and physical effort. For large cleanouts, professionals often cost less than DIY when all expenses are considered.
How far in advance should I book rubbish removal?
Most services can accommodate same-day or next-day bookings, though 2-3 days notice often gets better rates and time slots. During peak periods (end of lease, moving season, after storms) book 1-2 weeks ahead. Emergency services are available but cost 20-50% more.
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