The change to an itemised rate notice allows ratepayers to see waste service charges, separate from the general rates.

By adopting a Waste Service Charge, we transitioned to a fairer way to recover the costs of waste and recycling. Households will be charged the same amount for the same services they can access.

Similarly, ratepayers no longer contribute to the cost of kerbside bin services when they are not eligible for the service, such as those in large apartment blocks that are required to arrange a private collection service. Previously, these properties have been paying for kerbside bin services through their general rates. 

The amount of the Waste Service Charge, including the charges for supplementary bins, has been developed as part of budget considerations.

Refer to Bin Terms, Conditions and Charges for details.

No. The Waste Service Charge is not an additional fee.

Council reduced the general rate charge and moved waste charges out of general rates as separate items on the annual rate notice. Also, there is no longer a separate supplementary bin invoice. When properties opt-in for extra bins, these charges will appear on the annual notice. 

No. There are no service changes as part of implementing the Waste Service Charge.

The implementation of a Waste Service Charge does not limit Council changing services in the future. The costs of any changes will be reflected in future Waste Service Charges.  

Yes. There was a charge introduced for additional recycling bins from July 2023.

This is a charge to reflect the increased cost of processing recyclable materials. The charge was determined as part of the considerations of the budget. If ratepayers feel they have more recycling bins than they actually need, they are encouraged to return these bins. 

The Waste Service Charge applied from 1 July 2023 and first appeared on the 2023-24 annual rate notice.

Council has several recent major waste-related cost increases including:

• landfill levy increases  
• service cost increases that have escalated by more than the rate cap, and 
• previously Council received income for recyclable material, but changes in the market mean we now pay a fee for processing  

Addressing the budget impacts of the above cost increases has reduced the budget available for Council to commit to other programs and services and is impacting Council’s long-term financial sustainability.  

The Kerbside Waste Service component will not apply to your property, if a private garbage and recycling collection service is being used (under an approved Council Waste Management Plan). The Public Waste Service Charge and Supplementary Bin Charges (if applicable) will still apply. 

Yes, any property that has access to a recycling bin will be charged the standard Kerbside Waste Service Charge component of the Waste Service Charge, whether or not they have a garbage bin. 

No. All charges for waste and recycling services are charged on the rate notice. From 2023-24, there was not a separate invoicing of bins.

The special arrangements that are already in place for particular waste needs will continue, including:  

• Eligible pension concession card holders are entitled to a pension concession on general rates.  
• Those with a disability can request additional bins at no extra cost. This is an assessment-based concession.  
• Ratepayers who experience hardship can seek rate relief and periodic payment arrangements in line with Council’s Rates Hardship Assistance Policy ( PDF 425.98KB).  
• Not for profit and community organisations can apply for a range of grants and support mechanisms to operate or run events and services. 

Eligible pension concession cardholders continue to receive the pension concession on their general property rates. There is not a pensioner rebate on the Waste Service Charge. 

Yes. You can call our Customer Service team on 9262 6333.