Usually accepted
- General household waste: furniture, toys, clothes, boxes and general junk.
- Green waste: palm fronds, prunings, lawn clippings, hedge trimmings and wind-blown 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, patio frames, 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 Geraldton
Many older Geraldton homes, sheds and beach shacks have fibro walls, eaves or fences that may contain asbestos. You can't tell by looking, so if a sheet might be fibro, treat it as asbestos. In Western Australia, WorkSafe WA says a homeowner may remove up to 10 m² of non-friable (bonded) asbestos themselves, following strict safety steps. More than 10 m² of non-friable asbestos, or any amount of friable asbestos, must be removed by a licensed asbestos removalist, and WorkSafe strongly recommends a licensed removalist for any removal. Asbestos waste must be handled safely, transported correctly and taken to a licensed asbestos disposal facility, never hidden in a general skip. In Geraldton, the Meru Waste Management Facility accepts small amounts of residential asbestos if it's double-wrapped and marked "asbestos".
Where to take problem waste
The City of Greater Geraldton's Meru Waste Management Facility is on Landfill Lane, off Goulds Road in Narngulu, about 10 km from the city centre. The City lists it as open daily 7:30am to 4:30pm, closed Christmas Day, New Year's Day and Good Friday. It has the Bowerbird recycling and reuse centre and a household hazardous waste area for paint, chemicals and batteries. Small amounts of residential asbestos are accepted if double-wrapped and marked "asbestos". Check the City of Greater Geraldton 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 Greater Geraldton: Meru Waste Management Facility
- City of Greater Geraldton: hazardous and specialised waste
- WorkSafe WA: asbestos and the law
Council rules, hours and fees change. Check with the council or facility before you rely on them.