Rubbish removal in Melbourne is priced mostly by volume, not by the number of items placed in a truck. A single bulky item can cost under $150. A full house clean-out can run past $1,000. The price depends on how much space the rubbish takes up, what type of waste it is, and how easy the team can access it.
This guide explains how rubbish removal companies in Melbourne calculate their pricing and what a fair quote should include.
How Rubbish Removal Pricing Works
Most Melbourne rubbish removal companies price jobs in one of three ways:
- Per cubic metre — the rubbish is measured by the space it fills in the truck.
- Per truckload — a flat fee covers a full or half load, regardless of the exact volume.
- Per item — used for single bulky items such as a couch, mattress, or fridge.
A phone estimate gives a rough figure. A fixed quote usually requires the company to see the rubbish in person, either through photos or an onsite visit, because volume and weight are hard to judge over the phone.
What Affects the Final Price
Type of waste
General household rubbish is the cheapest to dispose of. Mattresses, fridges, and other appliances cost more because they need to be disassembled or handled under separate waste rules. Green waste is usually charged per tonne rather than per cubic metre, separate from general rubbish. Construction waste such as bricks, concrete, and soil is priced by weight and is more expensive than household items of the same volume.
Volume of rubbish
Pricing scales with how much space the rubbish takes up. A single chair costs far less than a garage full of furniture.
Access to the property
Rubbish stored upstairs, in a basement, or down a narrow laneway takes longer to remove. The extra labour time is reflected in the quote.
Location
Jobs further from the metro area can carry a travel cost, since the truck has to drive further to the nearest transfer station or landfill.
Disposal levies
The Victorian Environment Protection Authority charges landfill levies on waste disposal. These levies have increased steadily in recent years and are built into the disposal cost that most companies pass on to the customer.
Typical Melbourne Rubbish Removal Price Ranges
Based on common Melbourne pricing structures, customers can expect figures roughly in these ranges:
- Single bulky item (couch, mattress, fridge): $100 to $250
- Half a truckload (roughly 5 cubic metres): $300 to $600
- Full truckload (roughly 10 cubic metres): $600 to $1,000 or more
- Green waste: usually $200 to $300 per tonne
- Construction waste (bricks, concrete, soil): priced per tonne, generally higher than household waste of the same volume
These figures are a guide only. Final pricing depends on the company, the property, and the type of waste involved. Always confirm whether a quote includes disposal fees, labour, and GST.
Rubbish Removal Service or Skip Bin Hire
A skip bin is delivered to the property and collected once it is full, usually after a few days. This option suits people who have time to load the rubbish themselves and want to pay less for labour.
A rubbish removal service sends a team to load and remove the rubbish on the same day. This costs more than a skip bin because the price includes the labour of loading, but it removes the need for the customer to do any lifting.
How to Get an Accurate Quote
To get a reliable price for rubbish removal in Melbourne:
- Describe the type and volume of rubbish clearly, or send photos.
- Mention any access issues, such as stairs or a long walk from the truck.
- Ask whether the quote includes disposal fees and GST.
- Confirm whether the company can take all the items, since some waste types such as paint, gas bottles, or asbestos need separate licensed disposal.
Easy & Shine Cleaning Services provides rubbish removal across Melbourne and offers a free onsite quote before any work begins. The team can also combine rubbish removal with a one-off clean or end of lease clean, which often works out more practical than booking two separate services.
Call Easy & Shine Cleaning Services on 0438 183 061 for a free rubbish removal quote in Melbourne.
Note: Pricing varies based on the type and volume of rubbish, accessibility, disposal requirements, and the property’s location. Contact us for a free, accurate quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
A skip bin is usually cheaper if the customer is willing to load it themselves. A rubbish removal service costs more but includes the labour of loading and same-day removal.
Householders generally do not need a permit when using a licensed rubbish removal company. Businesses transporting certain regulated waste in Victoria need an EPA Victoria Waste Transport Certificate, but this is the responsibility of the operator, not the customer.
Mattresses, fridges, other appliances, and any item requiring special disposal, such as e-waste or hazardous materials, generally cost more than general household rubbish of the same size.
Same-day or next-day collection is often available, though booking a few days ahead usually secures a better price and a wider choice of time slots.
