Why Proper Timber Waste Disposal Matters in NSW
Timber is one of the most common waste streams from homes and building sites, yet it frequently contaminates green organics bins. Councils are now issuing more infringement notices for incorrect disposal, and the cost of cleaning contaminated loads is borne by ratepayers. Beyond compliance, responsible timber disposal helps create mulch, animal bedding, biomass fuel, and particleboard — keeping valuable material out of landfill and reducing methane emissions.
Can You Put Timber in the Green Waste Bin?
The short answer: it depends entirely on the type of timber.
- Untreated, raw timber — usually yes (small pieces only)
- Treated, painted, stained, or CCA timber — no — rarely allowed
- Engineered wood products (MDF, particleboard, plywood with glue) — no in most council green bins
Many residents still assume “wood = green waste”, but councils have tightened rules significantly since 2023–2024 to protect composting facilities.
For more on what belongs in green bins, see our guide on Green Waste Bin rules in NSW (2025 Guide). And if you’re also dealing with food scraps during a clean-up, explore our practical tips on how to turn kitchen waste into nutrient-rich compost for your garden.
How to Dispose of Different Types of Timber Waste
1.Untreated / Raw Timber (Pallets, Offcuts, Fencing)
- Clean, unpainted, untreated pine, hardwood, or softwood offcuts
- Pallets (heat-treated HT stamps are preferred)
- Plain timber fencing panels or posts (no CCA treatment)
Accepted in green bins — if cut to ≤1.2 m lengths and free of nails, screws, paint or preservatives. Larger volumes should be taken to a tip or collected by a service.
2. Treated Timber & Railway Sleepers
- CCA (copper chrome arsenate) treated pine
- Creosote-treated sleepers
- Painted, stained, or varnished timber
Never goes in green bins — it contaminates compost and is classified as hazardous waste in many cases. Take it to a licensed waste facility or arrange professional timber waste removal.
3. Large Timber Items (Decking, Pergolas, Sheds)
Decking boards, pergola beams, garden sheds, and large structural timbers usually contain a mix of treated and untreated pieces. These almost always require separate collection or skip bin hire — they exceed bin size limits and often contain fasteners.
4. MDF, Particleboard & Engineered Wood Products
MDF, chipboard, OSB, and most plywood contain glues, resins, and formaldehyde-based binders. They are not accepted in green organics bins and should go to general waste or a dedicated timber recycling drop-off.
For global best-practice reference on timber waste management and circular economy principles, see the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s materials on wood in the circular economy
Timber Recycling & Recovery Options in 2025–2026
Good news: a growing number of facilities now accept clean timber for chipping into mulch, animal bedding, or biomass fuel. In the Hunter and Central Coast regions, sites such as:
- Waste Management facilities in Tomago and Beresfield
- Local transfer stations with dedicated timber bays
- Private mulch producers
are actively taking clean, untreated timber. For larger or mixed loads, professional services ensure correct sorting and maximum diversion from landfill.
If you’re handling green waste regularly, check out our dedicated Green Waste Removal page for more options.
Skip Bins vs Professional Timber Waste Collection
| Option | Best For | Pros | Cons | Typical Cost (2025–26) |
| Skip Bin Hire | Large reno projects, builders | You control timing, load as you go | Delivery & pickup fees, permit needed sometimes | $350–$650 + GST |
| Professional Collection | Homeowners, strata, small–medium jobs | No skip on driveway, sorting included, recycling focus | Slightly higher per cubic metre | $180–$480 |
For a detailed comparison of both methods, read our article Skip Bin Hire vs. Rubbish Removal Services.
Timber Waste Removal with RubbishGo – How It Works
Step 1 – Quick Quote & Timber Assessment
Send us a few photos or describe the timber (treated/untreated, approximate volume, access notes). We provide a fixed-price quote within hours.
Step 2 – Safe Removal & Loading
Our team arrives, protects access paths, sorts on-site where practical, and loads everything securely. Nails and fasteners are removed where possible.
Step 3 – Responsible Recycling & Documentation
Clean timber goes to mulch producers, treated timber to licensed facilities. You receive photos of the cleared site and waste dockets if required (great for strata or commercial jobs).
Ready to Clear Your Timber Waste Responsibly?
Don’t risk bin rejection, fines, or landfill fees. Contact RubbishGo today for fast, compliant timber waste removal across Newcastle, Central Coast, and Lake Macquarie.
Phone, message, or use the quick form — we’ll sort it, recycle what we can, and leave your site clean.