Before you book

Hiring a rubbish removal service: what to ask, what to avoid

Two rubbish removal quotes for the “same” job often aren't the same job at all — the gap is usually scope: what's included, what's billed as an extra, and what you confirmed before you booked. Here's how to tell a fair deal from an expensive one, grounded in real pricing data.

The one that catches most people out

Wrong volume estimate

Send photos for accurate quotes.

Ask these before you book

Questions to ask a rubbish removal service

Most overcharging hides in the scope, not the headline price. These pin it down before you commit.

  • 1

    Does your quote include hazardous waste, or is that extra?

    If it's extra, expect around +$50–150.

  • 2

    Is asbestos part of the price, or charged separately?

  • 3

    Will I be charged extra for skip bin hire?

  • 4

    Can you put the full scope and the final price in writing before any work starts?

    Scope disputes are the single most common complaint. A written list is what protects you.

  • 5

    Is GST included in the price you have quoted?

    A sole trader under $75k turnover can legally leave GST off, which makes a quote look about 10% cheaper than a registered business for the same work.

Vet before you sign

Three checks that take five minutes

Check the licence

For licensed trades, ask for the licence number and confirm it on your state's fair-trading or licensing site before you book. Unlicensed work can void your insurance.

Confirm they're insured

Public liability cover protects you if something gets damaged on the job. If an operator can't confirm it, that's a red flag.

Insist on a written quote

A fair quote itemises the scope, names what's excluded, and states whether GST is included. Verbal quotes are where disputes start.

Learn from others

Other mistakes worth avoiding

Ignoring council pickups

2-3 free kerbside pickups per year.

Know the scope

What's usually included, and what costs extra

Usually included

  • ✓Loading/removal
  • ✓Transport
  • ✓Recycling sort

Usually charged extra

  • +Hazardous waste · +$50–150
  • +Asbestos
  • +Skip bin hire

What pushes the price up: volume, hazardous materials, heavy items, same-day, tip fees.

FAQ

Rubbish Removal questions, answered

How priced?+
By volume or per item.
Minimum charge?+
$80-150 for single items.

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