Usually accepted
- General household waste: furniture, toys, clothes, boxes and general junk.
- Green waste: autumn leaves, 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, heaters 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 heating oil, paint, pool chemicals 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 Launceston
Many older Launceston homes and sheds have fibro linings, eaves or roofing that may contain asbestos. You can't tell by looking, so if a sheet might be fibro, treat it as asbestos. In Tasmania, WorkSafe Tasmania says no licence is needed to remove less than 10 m² of non-friable (bonded) asbestos, provided the work follows the code of practice How to Safely Remove Asbestos. Removing more than 10 m² of non-friable asbestos needs a Class B (or Class A) licensed removalist, and any friable asbestos needs a Class A licensed removalist. Asbestos must be wrapped and taken to a facility that accepts it, never hidden in a general skip. In Launceston, the Launceston Waste Centre accepts asbestos only on weekdays between 10am and 2pm, after you register on 03 6323 3000, double-wrapped in plastic at least 200 microns thick.
Where to take problem waste
The City of Launceston's Launceston Waste Centre is on Cavalry Road, Mowbray. Council lists it as open 7:30am to 4:15pm daily, closed Good Friday and Christmas Day, and it has the Uptipity resale shop for reusable goods. Asbestos is accepted only on weekdays between 10am and 2pm, you must register first on 03 6323 3000, and it must be double-wrapped in plastic at least 200 microns thick. Check the City of Launceston 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
- City of Launceston: waste centres
- City of Launceston: hazardous materials
- WorkSafe Tasmania: asbestos removal licensing
Council rules, hours and fees change. Check with the council or facility before you rely on them.