Shed & Garage Demolition — Waste Streams & Bin Size

A backyard shed or garage teardown produces mixed waste: corrugated iron, timber framing, concrete slab, and fasteners. In Adelaide, it's one of the most common hooklift jobs — fast to demo, but requires the right bin size and a plan for heavy materials.

Asbestos is the wildcard. Any shed or garage built before 1990 may contain asbestos-cement sheeting or insulation — which you must NOT touch. We'll link you to an asbestos guide and inspection resources.

The classic Adelaide backyard demo: waste streams

Corrugated iron (roof and walls) — lightweight, takes up volume, crushes down.
Timber framing (rafters, wall studs, joists) — medium weight, can be stacked or split.
Concrete slab — extremely heavy (≈2.4t/m³), often takes up half a bin's weight allowance alone.
Fasteners, guttering, downpipes, wiring — small items, collect as demo progresses.
Asbestos-cement sheeting (pre-1990 sheds) — DO NOT REMOVE YOURSELF — requires a licensed removalist.

Asbestos: the pre-1990 warning

Any shed or garage built before 1990 may have asbestos in the roof or wall sheeting, insulation, or downpipes. Disturbing asbestos releases deadly fibres. Do not cut, drill, or remove any suspect material yourself.

Signs: grey or blue fibrous-looking sheeting, pipe lagging, old roof tiles. If you're unsure, hire a licensed asbestos removalist for a pre-demo inspection — it costs less than the fine for illegal removal.

Asbestos-contaminated waste cannot go in your hooklift bin and will be rejected at the facility. If your shed has asbestos, remove it before demolition, or ask your removalist to haul it separately. See our asbestos guide for licensed removalists in Adelaide.

Bin size choice: 12–15m³ typical

Most backyard shed and garage demos fit a 12–15m³ bin. The 12m³ (from $1,150, includes 2t disposal) is tight if there's a large concrete slab; the 15m³ Large (from $1,450, includes 2.5t disposal) is the popular choice.

If the slab is under 2 cubic metres and relatively thin (under 150mm), a 12m³ bin works. If the slab is thick or large, or the shed/garage is a 1970s-era brick-and-concrete structure, go 15m³.

The slab often weighs 2–3 tonnes — concrete is ≈2.4t/m³ — which can exhaust your included disposal weight alone. If your slab is heavy and your shed waste is also bulky, consider two bins: one for the slab (dedicated heavy-waste bin), one for structural waste.

Demo sequencing and bin delivery timing

Plan your bin delivery for the day you start, or the day before if weather permits. You want the bin on-site before you start tearing down, so waste doesn't pile up on the ground.

Sequence: (1) asbestos removal (if needed) by a licensed contractor; (2) bin delivery; (3) unbolt and disassemble the structure; (4) load the bin in stages as you demo; (5) email us when full or you're done, and we collect within 24 hours.

If the demo takes longer than 7 days, email us for an extension ($15/day) before your hire period ends. Demo jobs often extend — ask upfront so there's no surprise.

DIY demolition tips

Start at the top: remove roof sheeting, guttering, and fasteners first.
Stack timber framing horizontally in the bin as you dismantle — lay it flat, don't stand frames upright (they'll stick above the rim).
Break or bend corrugated iron to fit — it compresses well and takes up less space than you'd expect.
Once walls are down, chip or cut the concrete slab into manageable pieces (under 1m × 1m, if possible) to load into the bin.
Wear a dust mask and gloves — especially when chipping concrete, which generates silica dust.
Save fasteners and small metal — they add up in weight and take minimal space.

Demolition Guide — FAQs

Will a 12m³ bin fit all the waste from a backyard shed demo?

Usually yes, if the shed is small (under 20m² or so) and there's no large concrete slab. If there's a slab over 2m³ or thick concrete, a 15m³ bin is safer — it gives you more weight allowance (2.5t vs 2t included disposal). Email a photo of the shed and slab if unsure.

What if there's asbestos in the roof?

Do not remove it yourself. Hire a licensed asbestos removalist for removal and disposal before your demolition begins. Asbestos waste cannot go in your hooklift bin. See our asbestos guide for Adelaide removalists.

How much does a concrete slab weigh?

Concrete is approximately 2.4 tonnes per cubic metre. A 10m² slab at 150mm thick ≈ 1.5m³ ≈ 3.6 tonnes. A 12m³ bin includes only 2 tonnes of disposal weight, so a large slab alone can exceed your allowance and trigger $340/tonne excess charges. Break the slab into a separate bin if it's heavy.

Can I extend my hire if the demo takes longer than 7 days?

Yes — email us before your 7-day period ends and we'll extend at $15/day. Demolition often runs over schedule due to weather or unexpected complications, so plan ahead.

How do I load a heavy concrete slab into the bin?

Chip or cut the slab into pieces under 1m × 1m, or hire a mini-excavator to scoop and load. A bobcat can load from the front via the rear door. Don't try to load whole large slabs — they're too heavy and awkward, and won't fit properly in the bin.