
Usually accepted
- General household waste: furniture, toys, clothes, boxes and general junk.
- Green waste: branches, leaves, lawn clippings, palm fronds and hedge trimmings. 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, fencing, frames 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 and pesticides.
- 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 Nowra
Many older Shoalhaven homes and sheds contain fibro, and it can contain asbestos. You can't tell by looking, so if a sheet might be fibro, treat it as asbestos. In NSW, SafeWork NSW says you must use a licensed professional to remove any friable asbestos or more than 10 m² of bonded (non-friable) asbestos, and it recommends a licensed professional for any amount. Asbestos must be wrapped and taken to a facility licensed to accept it, never hidden in a general skip. In the Shoalhaven, council's West Nowra and Ulladulla depots accept asbestos by appointment only.
Where to take problem waste
Shoalhaven City Council's West Nowra Recycling & Waste Depot is at 120 Flatrock Road, Mundamia. Council lists it as open 8am to 5pm every day, closed on public holidays except Easter Monday. It's cashless and has a weighbridge, landfill, garden waste drop-off and a Community Recycling Centre for household problem waste. Asbestos is accepted by appointment only. Council also runs depots at Huskisson, Ulladulla, Berry, Callala, Sussex Inlet and other villages. Check Shoalhaven City Council 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
- Shoalhaven City Council: West Nowra Recycling & Waste Depot
- Shoalhaven City Council: recycling and waste depot locations
- SafeWork NSW: asbestos
- NSW EPA: Household Chemical CleanOut
Council rules, hours and fees change. Check with the council or facility before you rely on them.