Tips for Choosing the Best Rubbish Removal Company

Finding the Right Rubbish Removal Service for You

Got piles of rubbish taking over your home? Unsure how to clear it all out?

Hiring a professional rubbish removal service can make your life so much easier.

But not all rubbish removal companies are created equal.

You want to find one that’s affordable, efficient, and does quality of service.

Otherwise, you could end up with more headaches and an even bigger mess.

Follow professional waste removalists’ tips below and you’ll have a 5 5-star rubbish removal experience.

Identify Why You Need Rubbish Removal

First things first – figure out exactly why you need to hire a junk removal company. Do you need to:

  • Clear out years of junk from your garage or basement?
  • Remove old furniture and appliances from your home.
  • Clean up after a home renovation or construction project?
  • Clear out an estate after someone has passed away?

Being clear about your specific green waste or garden waste removal needs will help you choose a company that’s properly equipped for the job. A reliable company that only does small pickups likely can’t handle a whole house cleanout. And a company that just does a wide range of demolition waste and hazardous waste won’t work if you need someone to carefully carry out vintage furniture.

So before requesting quotes, scope out the project and determine:

  • How much rubbish needs to be removed (number of truckloads, and square meters)
  • What types of items need to be disposed of
  • If you need rubbish removed from inside your home/office or just the exterior
  • If the job requires any special steps, skip bin, and equipment like cranes or stair carries

Look for Licensed and Insured Companies

This one is crucial. You should only ever hire a licensed rubbish removal company that carries public liability insurance. Here’s why:

  • Licensing proves they are a legitimate business that can legally operate in your state or territory.
  • Public coverage covers any damages or injuries that occur on your property.

Unlicensed rubbish removers often illegally dump all types of waste to cut costings. And those without coverage won’t be able to cover repairs if they damage your property. Avoid unnecessary risks by only considering licensed and insured companies. Verify they have current documentation for both before proceeding.

Compare Multiple Quotes

Never accept the first quote you receive! Pricing can vary dramatically between rubbish removal companies. Make sure to get quotes from at least 3-4 businesses for the best deal.

When comparing quotes look at:

  • Overall pricing
  • Breakdown of charges (hourly rate, rubbish disposal fees)
  • Inclusions like loading/unloading labour

Be wary of quotes that seem unrealistically cheap compared to others. It may indicate the company plans to illegally dump waste. Stick with licensed businesses and median price ranges.

Questions to Ask When Getting Quotes

To determine which company will provide the best level of customer service, ask these key questions when gathering quotes:

  1. Do you offer fixed quotes or hourly rates?
  2. What expenses like dumping fees and labour are included in the quote?
  3. Do you have minimum fees for small jobs?
  4. Can I see proof of your license and coverage?
  5. What types of payment do you accept?

Their answers will reveal important info like their pricing model, business legitimacy, and reliability. Avoid companies that seem dodgy or won’t provide straight answers.

Read Reviews of the Company

Online customer reviews from previous customers are invaluable for assessing a rubbish removal company. Pay attention to:

  • Star ratings – higher is better
  • Number of reviews – more is better
  • Patterns in comments – lots of similar feedback indicates a consistent level of service
  • How the business responds to negative reviews – this shows how they handle problems

Look for reviews on platforms like Google, Facebook, and Product Review. Avoid companies with no or low online reviews.

Consider Their Trash Removal Process

A smooth trash removal process demonstrates organisation and professionalism. When contacting companies, find out:

  • Will they do an on-site assessment before quoting?
  • Do they supply bins and loading equipment or do you?
  • Who will do the trash loading – you or their team?
  • How and where do they dispose of trash?
  • How long until pickup after booking?

Ideally, they should offer on-site assessments and supply their own equipment. For disposal, they should use licensed waste management facilities rather than illegal dumping. They should also provide reasonable pick up times based on availability.

Verify Their Waste Solution Process

As mentioned, ensure the company disposes of garbage legally and responsibly. Avoid vague claims that they “recycle and reuse” whatever they can. Ask specifically:

  • What licensed disposal facilities do you use? Do you have direct contacts with any refuse centres, recycling plants, etc?
  • For the portion that can’t be recycled, do you use ethical landfills or waste-to-energy plants?
  • Can you provide records verifying proper waste management if requested?

Responsible answers will prove they don’t dump illegally. For peace of mind, also search their business name plus keywords like “illegal dumping fines”. This could reveal any undisclosed legal troubles.

Ask About Their Team and Equipment

For larger trash removal jobs, make sure the company has trained staff and proper equipment. Ask them:

  • How many staff handle loading and removing garbage?
  • Are your employees trained in safe manual handling techniques?
  • What protective gear like masks and gloves do you provide?
  • What sizes of trucks/vans/trailers do you use?
  • Do you have lifting/loading equipment like cranes or trolleys?

Their team and gear needs to match the scale of your job. Lots of manpower, big trucks, and the right loading tools are a must for big projects. But they would be overkill for small pickups.

Request References From Past Clients

Speaking to past clients gives inside info on what a company is really like. When contacting businesses ask:

  • Can you provide references from past domestic and/or commercial clients?
  • May I contact them to ask about their experience?

Call the references and ask:

  • Did the company finish the rubbish removal on schedule?
  • Were their employees professional and careful?
  • Did you encounter any surprises or hidden fees?
  • Were you satisfied with the job overall?

Happy references indicate an organized business that respects clients’ time and money. But if references seem hesitant or evasive, it’s a red flag.

Request a Written Agreement

Before booking ask the company to provide a written agreement covering:

  • Address where rubbish will be removed
  • Date and timeframe for removal
  • Range of services to be provided – labour, types of materials removed, etc
  • Full breakdown of fees – hourly rates, weight charges, taxes, etc
  • Conditions for cancelling or rescheduling

A professional business will readily provide an agreement. It protects both you and the rubbish remover should any disputes arise.

Arrange Payment and Deposit Details

When finalising booking, discuss:

  • What payment methods do you accept – credit card, EFT, cash?
  • When is payment required – deposit upfront, full payment after, installment payments?
  • Will you issue receipts and invoices?
  • Is there a deposit required before booking?

Reasonable payment terms won’t ask for full payment until after quality service. Deposits of 25-50% are common. Make sure their policies align with your preferences and budget.

Avoid Paying Large Upfront Deposits in Cash

Some less scrupulous companies may ask you to pay most or all of the quoted price upfront, especially if paying in cash. This leaves you little recourse if they do a bad job or damage property.

Insist on paying any large deposits using traceable methods like card or bank transfer. And as mentioned, don’t pay the full amount until after you’re satisfied with their rubbish removal service.

Follow Up After the Job

To ensure there are no loose ends, follow up with the company after your rubbish removal is complete. Ask:

  • Did everything get removed according to the agreement?
  • Are there any other fees I should be aware of?
  • Can you provide disposal records for my peace of mind?
  • Do you offer receipts and invoices?

This gives you a chance to clarify any confusion and close the loop professionally. It also reminds them to send invoices and waste disposal paperwork if applicable.

Check for Red Flags When Choosing

Avoid rubbish removal companies that exhibit any of these red flags:

  • No website or online presence
  • Can’t provide license and insurance paperwork
  • No references from past clients
  • Vague about their disposal processes
  • Pushy about payment and deposits
  • Don’t supply a written agreement
  • Have bad online reviews mentioning issues like hidden fees or illegal dumping

These signs indicate an unreliable or sketchy business. You’re better off paying a fair price for a reputable company you can trust.

FAQs

How much should I expect to pay for trash removal?

Rubbish removal costings depend on the amount of garbage, ease of access, distance to be transported, and more. Typical costings range from:

  • $100 – $250 for small loads up to 2 cubic metres
  • $250 – $400 for medium loads of 2 to 5 cubic metres
  • $400 – $800 for large loads above 5 cubic metres
  • $100 – $250 per hour for labour-intensive jobs

Get quotes from multiple companies before booking to find the best value.

When should I book my garbage removal?

Ideally book your garbage removal 1-2 weeks in advance, especially for larger jobs. This gives the company time to plan logistics and ensure truck/staff availability. Last-minute bookings usually cost more.

How can I get cheap or free garbage removal?

Options for more affordable trash removal include:

  • Comparing quotes from at least 3-4 companies
  • Choosing hourly rates over fixed quotes for small jobs
  • Dumping waste yourself at a refuse centre if you have a suitable car
  • Hiring a small operator like a man-and-van service for light removals
  • Selling reusable items first through garage sales, auction sites, etc
  • Splitting costs with neighbours if you’re all clearing out garbage

What are signs of illegal dumping by trash removal companies?

Watch for these red flags that indicate illegal dumping:

  • Quotes substantially cheaper than other companies
  • Vague answers when asked about their disposal process
  • Unwilling to provide documentation like waste transfer notes
  • Lack of company branding on their car
  • Poor reviews mentioning undisclosed dumping fees

Stick to transparent businesses that can validate ethical waste disposal.

How can I transport and dispose of trash affordably myself?

If you have access to a ute, trailer or truck, consider DIY garbage transport. Find your closest approved landfill or transfer station via the EPA website. Get disposal costs upfront and ensure your vehicle can legally transport the waste. Extra safety gear like reflective vests is also a good idea.

Conclusion

Garbage removal is rarely a fun task.

But choosing the right removal company makes a world of difference.

Following these tips helps you find honest, professional trash removers.

They’ll clear out your waste safely and legally so you can move on and care for the environment.

Just remember to never settle for dodgy operators.

Take your time to research companies.