WSN
Telephone 1300 651 116

Dusty Waste


Dusty wastes are generated by activities such as sanding, sand blasting, sawing and machining and finishing of wood products, metals and painted surfaces. Dusts are also generated in processes such as food production, construction and demolition and printing. These dusts can contain particles of wood, chemicals from glues and surface coatings, heavy metals and toxic substances.

Please note that requirements for handling and disposal of asbestos wastes are different to those for dusty wastes - click here for information about safe and legal disposal of asbestos wastes.

Dusty waste is normally collected and contained at the source to protect workers from health hazards such as respiratory disorders and skin or eye irritations. When transporting and disposing of dusty waste, loads must be managed carefully to avoid serious health, safety and public amenity issues.

Will WSN Environmental Solutions accept my dusty wastes?

Dusty wastes must be collected and packaged separately from other rubbish for disposal as a special waste at our Waste and Recycling Centres.

Separated dusty wastes must be booked as a special waste, which can only be accepted at nominated WSN landfills (not transfer stations). These wastes must be booked into a WSN landfill at least one working day prior to disposal by telephoning 1300 651 116 between 7.00 am and 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday. Charges and payment methods are available from our Customer Service staff.

Please note that unused bookings do not carry forward - if you miss your appointment, you will need to make a new booking.

Please follow these guidelines for disposal of dusty wastes:

  • Wet down dusty waste sufficiently to prevent any dust dispersal to the air if disturbed;
  • Completely seal dusty waste in heavy duty plastic (plastic must be at least 120 microns thick);
  • Fold the plastic sheeting over the waste and secure it with builders' tape or strong duct tape.
  • Unload dusty waste carefully to avoid airborne dispersal of dust at the waste management centre.

Because of the potential risks associated with the exposure to these wastes, additional management of these wastes is provided at the site. Greater supervision is applied, and the wastes are compacted by machinery only after they have been covered with a layer of general waste.

Mixed waste loads containing dust are monitored at our transfer stations and landfills. Transfer stations are not designed to manage dusty wastes. If a driver suspects that a load may be dusty, transfer station staff must be notified so that the dust suppression system can be activated. The site manager will notify the transporter if the level of dust is unacceptable so that future loads are treated correctly and redirected to landfill.

If dusty waste in a mixed waste load is identified by our staff as a potential health and safety hazard, the transporter will be asked to contact the generator to implement measures to have the dust component separated and delivered as a special waste to landfill.

To avoid paying the higher special waste rate for general waste, please separate your dusty waste from your general waste.

Waste and Recycling Centres that accept Dusty Wastes:
  • Belrose
  • Eastern Creek
  • Lucas Heights

From time to time site operations may vary, which may limit access to some of these facilities. You will be notified about any likely changes when booking your waste.

Related Waste Streams: