Details

Last Updated: Tuesday, 02 July 2024 16:27

The Queensland Government introduced a levy on waste going to landfill from 1 July 2019 to encourage increased recycling and resource recovery and to reduce the amount of waste to going landfill. The levy does not apply to asbestos or asbestos-containing materials.

Who pays the levy

1. Landfill operators: The levy is paid by landfill operators, such as Toowoomba Regional Council, to the Queensland Government. The Queensland Government provides an advanced payment to landfill operators for all domestic waste so that the levy does not directly impact domestic customers. 

2. Commercial waste collection services: For residents who have commercial waste collection services, such as caravan parks, manufactured home parks, retirement villages, boarding houses, crisis accommodation, gated communities and rural residents with commercial bulk-waste arrangements, the State Government provides an assistance scheme to offset the cost of the levy for residents in these types of accommodation. Further information is available at the household waste payment scheme webpage.

3. Charitable recycling organisations: Charitable recycling organisations that meet the eligibility criteria may receive an exemption from the levy. Visit the Charitable Recycling Australia website  (formally known as NACRO) for more information.

4. Commercial waste going to landfill: Council fees and charges for commercial waste going to landfill include cost recovery of the waste levy and applicable GST. This cost recovery in 2024-2025 will be $126.50 per tonne (i.e. $115 per tonne waste levy + 10% GST), resulting in a base rate for landfilled waste of $255.30/tonne. The 2024-2025 Fees and Charges are available on our website.

Levy yearly increases

The levy commenced at $75 per tonne and increases each year, as shown in the table below:

How to reduce waste

Domestic customers are encouraged to reduce their waste and increase recycling at home. In turn this will help us all reduce waste disposal costs. More information regarding recycling can be found in our recycling options web page.

Businesses can find useful waste, energy and water reduction ideas have been on the EcoBiz website.

Queensland Government contact information

• Phone: 13 74 68
• Email: wastelevy@des.qld.gov.au
• Website: Queensland Government website