Green Waste

Regional waste management costs are 100% funded by landfill gate fees and the Waste Collection and Landfill Management Utility Charges included in each Rates Notice.

At the February 2023 General Meeting, Council endorsed an annual free domestic green waste disposal weekend at the Stubley Street Landfill in October, which are designed to coincide with the clean-up of properties in preparation for storm/cyclone season.

Council currently offers free waste vouchers for domestic and/or green waste, which can be used at the holder’s discretion and the addition of a free green waste disposal weekend is a perfect reminder for residents to prepare for adverse weather.

Discussions regarding this subject led to further considerations around other waste management strategies, including the provision of free green waste disposal all year round, possible green waste kerb-side collections, or increasing the number of waste vouchers for domestic green waste.

Landfill gate fees for the disposal of green waste are currently in place so that the person creating the waste pays for its disposal, thus resulting in lower utility charges for landowners. If landfill gate fees were to be removed, rates would need to go up, and rate payers who may never visit the landfill, end up paying for others to dispose of their waste.

Council currently mulches the green waste received at all of Council's landfills to help avoid the State Government Waste Levy of $88.00 per tonne, which applies to all waste that is landfilled. By mulching the green waste, Council can apply for an exemption from paying the Waste Levy. Even with this exception, it costs Council tens of thousands of dollars to manage green waste at all of the Region's landfills.

It is important that each new strategy identified is given thorough consideration by all stakeholders, especially Rate Payers, before a final decision is made.

By completing the below survey, community members have the opportunity to inform and guide Council on how they wish green waste disposal to be managed moving forward.

Submissions closes at 4pm on Wednesday, 26 April 2023.