There is more to rubbish disposal than loading a few bags into a truck, and working out the cost of a removal service can be harder than it first appears.
The price of rubbish removal depends on the type of waste you have, how much space it takes up, and the labour needed to load it safely. The cost will also be influenced by any processing that needs to be performed once the rubbish is off your property.
Because disposal fees vary so much between jobs, it is difficult to provide detailed cost breakdowns. Instead, this guide outlines the main factors that influence pricing and explains our package deals, which are based on rubbish volume and the labour required. It will give you a better idea of what to expect money-wise before booking your next job.
For the most accurate indication of price, it is always best to get a custom estimate from our expert team at 1300 Rubbish.
Key Takeaways
- Rubbish removal costs vary depending on the weight, type and volume of the waste you need to dispose of.
- Most pricing is based on cubic metres, so estimating how much space your rubbish takes up helps you predict costs.
- Green waste, such as garden waste, soil and lawn clippings, tends to be cheaper because disposal fees are lower.
- Items like electronics, appliances, and heavy items may incur additional fees, so it is always best to get a custom estimate.
- Organising your rubbish in one spot on your driveway or in your yard can reduce labour time, helping to keep the overall cost down.
Understanding Rubbish Removal Costs
Working out the price of your rubbish removal is not always as simple as looking at a pile of rubbish and making a quick guess. There are a range of factors that can impact the costs involved.
Different types of rubbish are disposed of in different ways, known as waste streams. Some items can be recycled for free, while others require more expensive specialist processing. Factors such as access, labour, weight, volume and the type of waste also play a role in determining your final removal cost.
Most companies, including 1300 Rubbish, price a job by estimating how many cubic metres the rubbish will fill in the truck. A cubic meter is roughly the size of a stacked washing machine and dryer, or four standard garden wheelie bins.
Visualising your rubbish in one metre cubes helps you determine your volume with relative accuracy. For instance, two chairs might equal half a cube, while a three-seater couch might take up one and half to two full cubic metres.
Whether you need to remove garden waste, old furniture, concrete, appliances or general rubbish, having a clear idea of the waste type and volume makes a big difference when requesting a quote and arranging a pickup.
If you consolidate your rubbish in one area rather than spreading it throughout your house or commercial property, the collection process will be quicker and less time-consuming. This also usually means a cheaper price.
Green Waste Removal Cost
Green waste tends to be one of the cheapest rubbish removal services. Items such as tree branches, lawn clippings, leaves and garden pruning can easily be recycled at local facilities.
The main cost of green waste removal comes from labour and the volume of waste. Using the one cubic metre estimate is the simplest way to determine how much space your green waste will take up in the truck.
If the driver can complete your pickup in one truckload, you avoid extra transport and labour costs. Keeping your garden waste in one neat pile also reduces loading time.
Green waste disposal facilities in Australia typically accept these materials at lower prices, so this type of job often costs less money than removing household items or heavy waste.
General Light Rubbish Removal Cost
General household rubbish includes items such as toys, cardboard, small appliances and mixed light rubbish. Once again, the best way to estimate your rubbish removal cost is by thinking in cubic metres. A few boxes of toys might be half a cube, while clearing out your loft will take up far more.
Labour is a significant factor. If your light rubbish is scattered throughout different rooms or the backyard, the job may take longer. Most pickups include an initial loading period, and keeping everything in one place can reduce extra labour costs.
E-waste Removal Cost
Disposing of electronic waste often has additional considerations. Items such as computers, monitors, televisions, batteries and printers need to be recycled at specialist facilities. Hard drives must be shredded to protect personal data, and certain components, such as batteries, must be separated and recycled correctly. Although some parts contain valuable metals, the cost of the recycling process is often greater than the value of the materials recovered.
Because e-waste has strict government recycling rules, you may incur additional fees. If you have multiple items or large volumes of electronic waste, it is best to get an estimate so the team can determine the correct handling and disposal costs. Responsible e-waste disposal prevents your items from ending up in landfill or being burnt overseas, which helps protect the environment. At 1300 Rubbish, we aim to keep your home clean and the planet even cleaner!
Concrete Removal Cost
Concrete disposal generally costs more than light rubbish because of the weight and the specialised recycling process. Concrete, rocks, rubble and bricks must be taken to construction recycling centres, where the material is crushed and reused. Prices depend on the weight and the volume, and, as you would expect, heavier loads usually incur higher disposal fees.
Because concrete can take up the maximum load of a truck quickly, it is important to estimate your volume as accurately as possible. A small pile of broken concrete from a patio can weigh far more than several cubic metres of garden waste.
If you are unsure, the 1300 Rubbish team can help arrange an estimate and explain the disposal process. We offer concrete and rubble removal for residential properties and construction sites.
Hard Rubbish Removal Cost
Hard rubbish generally includes large or bulky items such as furniture, mattresses, old appliances, broken chairs and other heavy items that cannot be placed in council bins.
Since these items often need extra labour to lift, carry and load, the pricing may be higher than standard rubbish removal. Hard rubbish is also more complex to dispose of because items must be sorted into recyclable and non-recyclable materials.
Furniture Removal Cost
Furniture disposal includes items such as couches, tables and wardrobes. Again, pricing is based on cubic metres. Large pieces may take up significant space in the truck, so the cost depends on both the size and the labour involved.
Many furniture items can be recycled, but some require dismantling before disposal. If you are getting rid of multiple household items, combining them into one pickup is often cheaper than booking separate services.
Mattress Removal Cost
Mattress disposal involves a specialist recycling process where the metal, foam and fabric are separated. Because of this, mattresses usually incur a recycling fee. Because disposal prices vary between local recycling facilities, it is always best to get an estimate.
Mattresses are bulky and surprisingly heavy, especially when old, which makes getting rid of them a hard task. If you need to remove a mattress from your house, whether it is a single mattress or a double mattress, our team can lift and load it for you, making the process stress-free.
Whitegoods Removal Cost
Whitegoods such as fridges, washing machines and ovens need to be recycled correctly. Refrigerators contain gases that require safe removal, and appliances must be taken to approved recycling centres.
Weight also affects the price because appliances are normally heavy items that take a lot of effort to load. Since the cost can vary depending on your local recycling facility, it is worth arranging a quote from 1300 Rubbish for accurate pricing of whitegoods removal.
Rubbish Removal Costs by City
Where you live, or where your commercial site is located, will also impact the costs of removing rubbish. The comparison table below indicates what you can expect to pay in some of Australia’s biggest cities, based on local cost estimates.
| City | Rubbish removal price per cubic meter |
| Adelaide | $110 plus GST for light rubbish |
| Brisbane | $110 plus GST for light rubbish |
| Melbourne | $130 plus GST for light rubbish |
| Sydney | $140 plus GST for light rubbish |
1300 Rubbish Package Deal Prices
If you are searching for a simpler way to estimate your rubbish removal cost, our fixed-price packages are designed around volume in cubic metres (m³) and include labour.
Once you book, we’ll arrange a suitable truck, team and time to complete the job. Here are the details of our competitively priced packages, broken down by location:
NSW (Sydney / Central Coast / Newcastle / Wollongong)
From our Online Packages NSW list:
- Small Package: ¼ truck load (approx. 2.5 m³) – 1 man for 1 hour – $346.50
- Medium Package: ½ truck load (approx. 5 m³) – 2 men for 1 hour – $762.30
- Large Package: 1 full truck load (approx. 10 m³) – 2 men for 1.5 hours – $1,490
Each package covers loading, trucking and disposal of light waste included in the volume.
VIC (Melbourne / Geelong)
From our Online Packages Vic list:
- Small Package: ¼ truck load (approx. 2.5 m³) – 1 man for 1 hour – $320
- Medium Package: ½ truck load (approx. 5 m³) – 2 men for 1 hour – $712
- Large Package: 1 full truck load (approx. 10 m³) – 2 men for 1.5 hours – $1,393
QLD (Brisbane / Gold Coast)
From our Online Packages QLD list:
- Small Package: ¼ truck load (approx. 2.5 m³) – 1 man for 1 hour – $272
- Medium Package: ½ truck load (approx. 5 m³) – 2 men for 1 hour – $612
- Large Package: 1 full truck load (approx. 10 m³) – 2 men for 1.5 hours – $1,200
SA (Adelaide)
From our Online Packages SA list:
- Small Package: ¼ truck load (approx. 2.5 m³) – 1 man for 1 hour – $272
- Medium Package: ½ truck load (approx. 5 m³) – 2 men for 1 hour – $612
- Large Package: 1 full truck load (approx. 10 m³) – 2 men for 1.5 hours – $1,200
Each package includes labour, transport, loading and disposal, giving you a complete service without any nasty surprises with costs.
We also give discounts for full load recycling of:
- Metal
- Greenery
- E-waste
- Paper and cardboard
Get an Estimate from 1300 Rubbish Today
With 1300 Rubbish, getting a tailored quote is a straightforward process. Remember, the more detail you provide, the more accurately our team can estimate your price. To get a quote:
- Call 1300 78 22 47 or use the online estimate form.
- Describe the type of rubbish you want to remove.
- Indicate roughly how many cubic meters this will take up.
- Share access details, such as whether the rubbish is in your driveway, the yard or inside the house.
- The team will give you an obligation-free estimate.
- If you decide to go ahead, book a pickup time that works for you.
If you want a stress-free way to get rid of rubbish without the hassle of hiring a skip or doing the job yourself, reach out to 1300 Rubbish. Let the experts do the heavy lifting so you can enjoy a clean and clutter-free property without lifting a finger.