Queensland Government Waste Levy
The Queensland Government is introducing a waste levy on 1 July 2019. The levy underpins the new waste management and resource recovery strategy, intended to increase recycling and recovery.
For more information about the levy visit https://www.qld.gov.au/wastedisposallevy.
Frequently asked Questions.
Who is introducing the levy?
The Queensland Government is introducing the waste levy.
When does the levy commence?
The waste levy will commence on 1 July 2019.
What is the levy zone?
Townsville City Council is included in the levy zone, which includes 39 of 77 local government areas.
The full levy zone can be viewed at www.qld.gov.au/wastedisposallevy.
What does the levy mean for Townsville households?
The levy does not apply to wheelie bin waste or self-hauled residential waste.
What does the levy mean for Townsville businesses?
Businesses in the Townsville region will incur the waste levy.
The levy will be imposed on all commercial waste including:
- Regulated waste as defined by the Environmental Protection Regulation 2008
- General waste such as:
- Construction and demolition waste
- Commercial and industrial waste
- Municipal solid waste
- Acid sulphate soil*
- Contaminated land listed on a register*
*Exemptions may apply.
How much is the levy?
The proposed levy rate starts at $75 per tonne. Higher rates apply for regulated waste.
This fee is an additional cost on top of the Townsville City Council gate fee.
How can the impact on businesses be reduced?
Materials that are recovered, reused or recycled (therefore not sent to landfill) do not attract the levy.
To minimise the impact of paying the levy, businesses will need to reduce their waste generation and recycle as efficiently as possible.
The more material that is diverted to recycling or resource recovery, the less possible impact the levy will have on businesses.
Useful links:
CCIQ ecoBiz
CCIQ ecoBiz is a free program funded by the Queensland Government that helps businesses save money through sustainability initiatives, including waste reduction.
For more information visit www.cciqecobiz.com.au.
Planet Ark Business Recycling
Planet Ark’s Business Recycling portal is Australia’s most comprehensive online database for recycling services.
For more information visit www.businessrecycling.com.au.
Will exemptions apply?
Some wastes will be exempt from the Queensland Government waste levy such as waste produced from declared natural disasters.
Charitable organisations will also be eligible to apply for exemptions for waste donated but cannot be used or recycled. The Queensland Government is working with the National Association of Charitable Recycling Organisations (NACRO) who will help charities with applications. For more information visit www.nacro.org.au/qld.
