Prohibited items and why
| Item | Why it's banned | Correct disposal path |
|---|---|---|
| Asbestos (any form) | Carcinogenic — requires licensed removal and containment | Licensed asbestos removalist (>10m²) or council hard waste |
| Liquid waste (oil, fuel, solvents, paints) | Environmental contamination and fire risk at the facility | Licensed hazardous waste contractor or council drop-off |
| Tyres | Landfill space and fire risk — must be recycled | Tyre retailers or council e-waste/hard waste program |
| Gas bottles (LPG, oxygen, acetylene) | Explosion risk during transport and processing | Licensed gas supplier or hazardous waste contractor |
| Batteries (all types) | Lead/acid leakage and fire risk | Council hard waste program or battery recycler |
| Hazardous chemicals | Environmental and fire hazard | Licensed chemical disposal or council hazmat program |
| E-waste (TVs, computers, monitors, fridges) | Toxic materials and refrigerant leaks | Council e-waste drop-off or retail take-back programs |
| Medical waste (needles, sharps, bandages) | Biohazard and infection risk | Healthcare provider or licensed medical waste contractor |
What happens if prohibited items are found
If a prohibited item is discovered in your bin at the weighing facility or during collection, the bin is rejected and not processed. You are responsible for the removal cost, a callout fee, and arranging proper disposal of the prohibited item. These costs are separate from your bin hire and can be substantial.
To avoid this, inspect your load before the bin is collected. If you're unsure about an item, email us a description or photo and we'll tell you if it's allowed.
Prohibited items = bin rejection + removal fees + callout charges. Always ask before loading anything unusual.
Accepted waste types
- General household waste and furniture
- Garden and green waste
- Soil, sand, clay
- Brick, concrete, tiles, pavers
- Timber and plasterboard
- Metal (steel, aluminium)
- Construction and demolition waste (mixed)
- Commercial and industrial waste
How to dispose of prohibited items in SA
Most councils in Adelaide run hard waste and e-waste drop-off programs — check your council's website for collection dates or a permanent drop-off location. Many items are accepted free.
For hazardous items (chemicals, fuel, gas bottles), contact a licensed hazardous waste contractor — search online for South Australian EPA-licensed hazmat disposal. These services charge, but handle the item legally.
Asbestos removal in homes must be done by a licensed removalist for safety; small amounts might be accepted at council hard waste if bagged and labelled.