Usually accepted
- General household waste: furniture, toys, clothes, boxes and general junk.
- Green waste: prunings, lawn clippings, hedge trimmings and fallen branches. A green-only bin is often cheaper than mixed waste, so keep soil and rubbish out of it.
- Renovation waste: timber, plasterboard, old cabinets, carpet, tiles and fittings (but not fibro that may contain asbestos).
- Heavy or clean fill: soil, sand, concrete, bricks and pavers, usually in a smaller bin with a weight limit.
- Scrap metal: old roofing iron, fencing, steel yards and gates.
Not accepted, or extra charge
- Asbestos and fibro: never in a general skip. See below.
- Tyres: usually banned or charged per tyre.
- Batteries: car and household batteries are a fire risk in a skip.
- Gas bottles, fire extinguishers and aerosols: can explode when compacted.
- Paint, oils, chemicals and liquids: including farm and stable chemicals, sump oil and paint.
- Mattresses: often accepted for an extra fee.
- E-waste, food waste and medical waste: check first. Many operators won't take TVs, computers or fluorescent tubes.
Every operator has its own list. The one who quotes you will confirm theirs, so mention anything unusual in the form.
Asbestos and fibro in Tamworth
Many older Tamworth homes, sheds and stables include fibro sheeting or asbestos-cement roofing. You can't tell by looking, so if a sheet might be fibro, treat it as asbestos. In NSW, SafeWork NSW says you must use a licensed professional to remove any friable asbestos or more than 10 m² of bonded (non-friable) asbestos, and it recommends a licensed professional for any amount. Asbestos must be wrapped and taken to a facility licensed to accept it, never hidden in a general skip. Tamworth Regional Council says commercial asbestos needs a Waste Disposal Permit requested at least 48 hours ahead at Forest Road; residents don't need one, but call first.
Where to take problem waste
Tamworth Regional Council's Forest Road Waste Management Facility takes most household and commercial waste, and there's a small-vehicle transfer station at 123A Forest Road. Council says commercial asbestos and soil need a Waste Disposal Permit requested at least 48 hours ahead (residents don't need one), and loads must be covered, with fines starting at $750. Check Tamworth Regional Council's website for hours and fees.
Tips for a cheaper, easier skip
- Separate green waste and heavy waste from general rubbish where you can.
- Break down furniture and flatten boxes so they take less space.
- Don't fill above the rim. Operators can refuse to lift an overfilled bin.
- Be upfront about mattresses, tyres or anything you're unsure about.
Ready to book? Request a free quote, or check the skip size guide first.
Where this information comes from
Council rules, hours and fees change. Check with the council or facility before you rely on them.