Old furniture on the sidewalk? Find out about hard rubbish: the Australian collection program!

In Australia, there is a custom that can generate a certain curiosity, especially in foreigners: the hard rubbish, in which residents leave piles of items, which are no longer used, on the sidewalks for government collection.

Keep reading to understand better about the hard rubbish, what items can be collected and also the main rules of the hard rubbish.

What is hard rubbish and how does it work? 

Hard rubbish is a collection program for bulky household waste, such as furniture, appliances, mattresses, wood, metal and other items that do not fit into regular garbage collections.

This service offers residents the opportunity to properly dispose of these materials, preventing them from being abandoned on public roads or improperly disposed of.

The program works in an organized and structured way. Usually, cities and municipalities set specific dates for collecting old furniture, which are widely publicized to residents.

During this period, residents are encouraged to place bulky items they wish to dispose of in front of their homes, on the kerbside, for later collection.

Designated collection teams roam the streets in specialized trucks, collecting and transporting discarded items to suitable facilities.

Depending on the city or municipality, materials can be recycled, reused, resold or disposed of in licensed landfills.

Which items can be dropped during hard rubbish ?

In the hard rubbish, generally, the following items can be discarded:

  • Furniture: sofas, armchairs, tables, chairs, shelves, wardrobes, racks, among other domestic furniture.
  • Household appliances: refrigerators, stoves, washing machines, dryers, microwaves, televisions, air conditioners, among others.
  • Mattresses: Mattresses of all sizes, including mattresses.
  • Wood: pieces of wood, such as planks, slats, planks, doors, windows and pallets.
  • Metal: metallic items such as bicycles, metallic structures, supports, pots, garden tools, among others.
  • Electronics: computers, laptops, printers, scanners, audio and video equipment, cell phones, tablets, among other electronic devices.
  • Miscellaneous items: tires, rugs, carpets, large toys, gym equipment, toilets, sinks, lamps, among others.

It is important to remember that the rules may vary depending on the city or municipality.

Therefore, it is recommended to check the program-specific guidelines in your locale to ensure items to be disposed of are in line with the guidelines provided.

What are the advantages of this Australian service? 

HARD RUBBISH  offers a number of advantages to people living in Australian cities. Check out the main ones:

Community cleaning and beautification

Hard rubbish helps keep streets and neighborhoods cleaner, eliminating the presence of bulky waste that can accumulate on public roads.

Reduction of improper disposal

By offering a convenient and affordable option for disposing of bulky items, the program contributes to the reduction of inappropriate disposal, preventing these materials from being left in vacant lots, parks or rivers.

Encouraging recycling and reuse

The hard rubbish promotes the recycling and reuse of materials, allowing items that are still useful to be put to new uses, avoiding the waste of resources.

Improved quality of life

A clean, waste-free environment contributes to a better quality of life for residents, increasing pride and satisfaction with their communities.

Increased environmental awareness

The program also plays a crucial role in raising public awareness of the importance of proper waste management and environmental protection.

How to participate on hard rubbish day?

See how to participate in the hard rubbish and dispose of your items properly!

  1. Check the specific hard rubbish dates and rules in your city or county.
  2. Make sure that the items to be discarded fall into the categories accepted by the program.
  3. Place the materials on the curb only during the designated collection period to avoid blocking sidewalks or causing inconvenience to pedestrians and motorists.
  4. Separate recyclables from non-recyclables, if necessary, to facilitate the proper disposal process.

Do you need any help with house or office moving? Call ELP MOVERS!

Are you moving soon? How about leaving your move in the hands of a specialized company? Contact ELP Movers and request a quote! 👇

× Claim Free Quote