Usually accepted
- General household waste: furniture, toys, clothes, boxes and general junk.
- Green waste: palm and fern fronds, lawn clippings, branches and storm-damaged trees. 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, carport sheets, fencing and outdoor furniture.
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 pool chemicals, sump oil, paint and garden sprays.
- 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 Townsville
Many older Townsville homes, especially highsets and post-war houses, have fibro walls, eaves or sheds that may contain asbestos. You can't tell by looking, so if a sheet might be fibro, treat it as asbestos. In Queensland, the state's asbestos guidance (asbestos.qld.gov.au) says a homeowner can remove up to 10 m² of non-friable (bonded) asbestos without a licence, using safe work methods. For more than 10 m² you need a Queensland Health-approved homeowner's certificate or a licensed removalist, and friable asbestos, such as low-density board, must be removed by a Class A licensed removalist. Asbestos waste must be wrapped, labelled and taken to a facility that accepts it, never hidden in a general skip. In Townsville, council accepts asbestos at the Stuart Waste Facility only, between 7:30am and 3pm, sealed and double-wrapped in plastic at least 0.2 mm thick, up to 175 kg per load.
Where to take problem waste
Townsville City Council's Stuart Waste Facility at 24 Vantassel Street, Stuart, is its largest site, a landfill and transfer station open Monday to Sunday 6:30am to 5:45pm. All council waste facilities are closed on Good Friday and Christmas Day. Asbestos is accepted at Stuart only, between 7:30am and 3pm, sealed and double-wrapped in plastic at least 0.2 mm thick, up to 175 kg per load, and you must tell the gatehouse. The Hervey Range Resource Recovery Centre on Hervey Range Road takes small loads only and no asbestos. Check the Townsville City Council website for fees and accepted items.
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
- Townsville City Council: transfer stations and waste facilities
- Queensland Government: homeowner's certificate to remove asbestos
Council rules, hours and fees change. Check with the council or facility before you rely on them.