The State Government introduced the Waste and Resource Recovery Act 2022 for the purpose of encouraging the diversion of waste from landfill, increasing the recovery of resources from waste and to impose a levy on waste received at a landfill facility. It further provides for standards and guidelines to be made for landfill and resource recovery facilities across the State. There are significant fines if Council does not comply with the Act.
From 1 July 2024 it is mandatory for Council to keep daily records of the volume and type of material being deposited at the Sheffield Transfer Station. To facilitate compliance with the data recording requirements the Cradle Coast Waste Management Group and Council successfully secured grant funding to install specialised waste management software. The new system also allows for electronic invoicing, payments and receipting. To make the process more efficient for residents and the transfer station operator a new booth is also being installed.
All vehicles must stop to enable the load to be inspected so that the transfer station operator can record the approx. volume and type of material being deposited.
Coupled with the above changes is an increase in the landfill levy. Council currently pays $20 per tonne for all waste taken from the transfer station to Dulverton landfill and from 1 July 2024 this will increase to $42.72 per tonne and a further increase by the same amount in two years’ time.
A new FOGO (Food Organics and Garden Organics) service is also being implemented from July. As a result of the above changes a review of the charging methodology for waste fees will be undertaken by Council prior to the new financial year.
Waste management is not just about disposal; it is about handling, resource conservation, and safeguarding our environment for generations to come.
If you have any further questions regarding these changes, please contact Kentish Council on 6491 0200.