The change to an itemised rate notice will allow rate payers to see waste service charges, separate from the general rates.

By adopting a Waste Service Charge, we have 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 will 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 for 2023-24. 

Refer to Bin Terms, Conditions and Charges for details.

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

Council has reduced the general rate charge and moved waste charges out of general rates as separate items on the annual rate notice. Also, there will be no separate supplementary bin invoice. When properties opt-in for extra bins, these charges will appear on the annual rate 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 is a charge for additional recycling bins from July 2023.

This is a new charge to reflect the increased cost of processing recyclable materials. The charge was determined as part of the considerations of the 2023-24 budget. If rate payers feel they have more recycling bins than they actually need, they are encouraged to return these bins. 

The Waste Service Charge applies from 1 July 2023 and will appear on the 2023-24 annual rate notice issued from mid-August 2023.  

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

• landfill levy increases of $60 per tonne  
• 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 will be charged on the rate notice. There will be no separate invoicing of bins from 2023-24.  

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 603.2KB).  
• 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 card holders will 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.