New charges for commercial and industrial waste disposal
On Thursday December 1, 2011, new waste disposal fees and charges were introduced at nominated Southern Downs region waste facilities in line with Queensland Government legislation, in particular the Waste Disposal Levy.
What is the Levy?
This is a Queensland Government levy aimed at reducing the amount of commercial and industrial waste that goes to landfill. Under the Levy, all commercial and industrial waste that cannot be recycled or reused and will ultimately go to landfill will incur a charge of $35 per tonne. This includes waste from farming or agri-businesses. Council is required to collect this commercial waste levy and pay it to the Queensland Government from December 1 this year, and these costs will be passed on to commercial customers where applicable.
Mayor Ron Bellingham said: “I want to make it clear to residents that Council is making no money from collecting this Levy, it all goes to the State Government."
Can the Levy be avoided?
The Levy can be avoided by reducing, reusing or recycling commercial and industrial waste.
Any waste that can be reused or recycled – such as green waste, scrap metal, concrete and demolition waste, waste oil, grease trap waste, drum-muster containers and batteries – does not incur the Levy.
“It now makes even more sense for businesses to reduce, recycle or reuse as much waste as possible, and to concentrate on separating their waste into recyclable areas that don’t incur the Levy,” said Mayor Ron Bellingham.
Where can I take my commercial waste?
Not all items can be recycled at all waste facilities, please check with Council to find out which facilities recycle which items, or click here to view the table.
Waste facilities that accept commercial waste include Allora, Maryvale, Yangan, Killarney, Leyburn, Pratten, Warwick, and Stanthorpe.
All other Southern Downs region waste facilities are now restricted to domestic waste from local residents only and do not accept commercial waste, to comply with state government legislation.
More information
For more details about the waste levy, please visit www.derm.qld.gov.au
