What Is Hard Waste?

Hard waste refers to large household items that are too big for your regular bin collection.

These might include:

• Broken or old furniture (sofas, wardrobes, tables)
• Whitegoods (fridges, dishwashers, washing machines)
• Mattresses and bed frames
• Carpets, rugs, and underlay
• E-waste (TVs, computers, old appliances)
• Garden waste (large branches, stumps)
• Bicycles, barbeques, and other large outdoor items

These items require special handling due to their size and the materials involved—some can be recycled, some need careful disposal.

How Hard Waste Collection Works in Wollongong

Wollongong City Council offers two free hard waste collections per residential property each year. It’s not a set date—collections are booked online or over the phone, making it a flexible and convenient option for households.

Once you’ve made a booking, you place the items neatly on your kerbside the night before your scheduled pickup.

What You Can Put Out:

• Up to 2 cubic metres of hard waste (roughly the size of a small trailer)
• Whitegoods (with doors removed for safety)
• Timber offcuts (bundled and under 1.2 metres)
• E-waste and small appliances
• Household furniture

What’s Not Accepted:

• Building and renovation waste (concrete, bricks, tiles)
• Car parts, tyres, or engines
• Hazardous materials (paint, asbestos, chemicals)
• Gas bottles and fire extinguishers
• Glass sheets or mirrors

Items that don’t follow the guidelines won’t be collected and could result in a fine if left on the kerb.

Why Use a Private Hard Waste Collection Service?

Council collections are handy, but they come with limitations: you’re restricted to two bookings per year, and they won’t take everything.

If you’ve missed your council pickup, need more than 2m³ removed, or have items they don’t accept, companies like Rubbish Removal Kings can step in.

Benefits of Using a Private Service:

• Flexible scheduling – no need to wait for a booking
• No limits on volume or type of waste
• Quick turnaround – often same-day service
• They do the heavy lifting for you
• More responsible disposal – including recycling and donation, where possible

It’s a time-saving, stress-free option for busy households and businesses that just want the mess gone.

Environmental Responsibility Matters

Proper hard waste disposal isn’t just about keeping your property clean—it’s about looking after the Illawarra region, too.

A lot of hard waste can be recycled. For example:

• Metals from old appliances can be melted down and reused
• Timber can be repurposed or mulched
• E-waste often contains valuable materials that can be recovered

On the flip side, illegal dumping can lead to environmental damage, harm to wildlife, and hefty fines from the council.

Whether you’re using the council’s service or hiring a private collector, it’s worth knowing where your waste ends up—and choosing someone who disposes of it properly.

Tips for Easy Hard Waste Collection

1. Plan ahead – Book early if you’re using the council’s service; slots can fill up quickly.
2. Measure your pile – Keep it within the council’s 2m³ limit if going through them.
3. Separate recyclables – E-waste and metal should be grouped for easier processing
4. Donate what you can – If it’s still in good condition, local charities may take it.
5. Use a private collector when needed – Especially if you have extra items, tight timeframes, or heavy lifting involved.

Final Thoughts

Hard waste collection in Wollongong is a great service—if you know how to use it properly. But when you need more flexibility or have trickier items to dispose of, private services like Rubbish Removal Kings can be a game changer.

They’ll pick it up, take it away, and make sure it’s dealt with the right way—so you can get on with more important things.