Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) for Rubbish and Waste Disposal sets out the step-by-step procedures, hazards, and control measures required to safely manage waste on Australian worksites and construction projects. It is a comprehensive document that consolidates multiple aspects of rubbish handling, segregation, transport, and disposal to support WHS compliance and effective risk management.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Appropriate segregation, labelling, and disposal of different waste streams, including general, recyclable, and regulated waste
• Safe disposal of building waste material such as offcuts, packaging, and surplus construction products
• Management and disposal of construction debris arising from demolition, stripping out, and refurbishment works
• Safe collection, handling, and removal of loose debris to prevent slips, trips, and falls on site
• Disposal of excess and scrap materials in designated containers to minimise clutter and fire risk
• Procedures for disposing of waste properly in accordance with site rules, environmental requirements, and council regulations
• Emptying large trash containers using mechanical aids and correct manual handling techniques
• Emptying waste bins safely, including bag tying, lifting methods, and avoiding sharps and contaminated waste
• Handling large amounts of rubbish and waste, including load size limits, team lifting, and traffic management around collection points
• Operation of skip bins, including safe placement, loading practices, exclusion zones, and interaction with waste trucks
• Removal of large debris and bulky items using trolleys, pallet jacks, or lifting equipment where required
• Removal of solid waste from work areas to maintain housekeeping standards and safe access/egress routes
• Systematic removal of rubbish or waste materials during and after works to keep the site clean and organised
• Removing redundant equipment, fixtures, and fittings, including decommissioning, dismantling, and disposal controls
• Routine rubbish collection activities, including run sheets, designated collection times, and communication with site supervisors

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for builders, demolition contractors, construction and maintenance crews, waste management providers, labour hire workers, and site supervisors responsible for rubbish and waste disposal activities.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice: Guidance on housekeeping, waste management, and maintaining a safe work environment
• How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Framework for identifying hazards and implementing controls for waste handling tasks
• Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice: Requirements for managing risks from lifting, carrying, and moving rubbish and waste
• Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work Code of Practice: Applicable where powered waste compaction or collection equipment is used
• Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice: Relevant where waste is handled near edges, loading docks, or elevated platforms
• Safe Work Australia – Construction Work Code of Practice: Guidance on waste and debris management on construction sites
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017