Demolition waste streams
- Concrete and brick: heavy, dense, recyclable if clean.
- Timber framing: lighter, reusable or pulped for panels.
- Corrugated iron and steel: valuable scrap, separate from mixed waste.
- Copper wiring and brass fittings: high scrap value, remove and sell.
- Plumbing pipes (iron, copper, PVC): sellable or recyclable.
- Electrical conduit, switches, old fixtures: mixed value depending on material.
Why separating waste saves money
Mixed demolition waste (concrete + timber + iron + everything else) is uneconomical to process — recyclers won't touch it, so it goes straight to landfill. Tipping fees are high.
Clean concrete and scrap iron are valuable — recyclers accept them free or even pay. By running separate bins for concrete, iron, and timber, you avoid landfill costs and recover value.
On large demolition sites, hire companies often recommend 2–3 dedicated bins: one for concrete and brick, one for ferrous metal and scrap, one for mixed waste.
Plan separation before the demolition starts. On-site sorting is messy and takes time. Brief the demolition contractor on waste separation so waste lands in the right bin as it's removed.
Bin logistics for demolition sites
Demolition is fast and produces volume quickly. A 30–40m³ bin for a house or large shed demolition might fill in 3–5 days.
Plan for bin swaps: book the first bin, get it swapped or collected when full (allow 2–3 days turnaround), and book a second if needed. The 7-day hire period is generous, but demolition often runs faster.
Low-sided 9–20m³ bins suit heavy demolition material (concrete, brick) better than high-sided 30–40m³ bins — they let you load deeper and are easier for excavators and bobcats to work with.
Shed and garage demolition
| Demo Type | Typical Waste | Recommended Bin(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Small shed (3×3m, timber) | 2–4m³ | 12–15m³ |
| Garage (3×6m concrete slab) | 6–10m³ concrete + timber | 2 × 15m³ or 20m³ |
| House demolition | 30–60m³ mixed | 2–3 × 20m³ or 1–2 × 40m³ |
| Brick house (full demo) | 40–80m³ | 2 × 40m³ or 3 × 30m³ |
Access planning for the hooklift truck
Demolition trucks and excavators need space. Ensure the hooklift truck can reverse into your site with 2.7–3.0m width and 4.0–4.5m overhead clearance minimum.
On tight sites, positioning bins before demolition starts prevents on-site congestion. Once the excavator is working, moving bins becomes hazardous.
Email us a site photo and a description of access — driveway width, overhead obstacles, ground surface. We'll confirm the truck can get in and out before you book.