RUBBISH disposal will cost more from July 1 with another round of government levy increases, prompting industry operators to call for more funding to encourage recycling.
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It will translate into higher charges for kerbside bin collection and visits to transfer stations as the latest increase in the Sustainability Fund levy kicks in for regional landfills.
Warrnambool-based transfer station operator Barry Barton told The Standard yesterday he was tired of being a tax collector for the government.
“Not a lot of money comes back into the industry to encourage investment in better ways of diverting material from landfills,” he said.
“Every time fees go up customers complain and more rubbish is dumped on roadsides.”
Statewide Waste operator Nick Kephala agreed, saying most of the initiatives for encouraging better recycling and landfill diversion came about with minimal government assistance.
“Landfill fees are rising by about 10 per cent a year,” he said. Both operators said they would absorb some of the levy increase, but would have to pass on some of it with higher gate charges for general waste.
Corangamite Shire mayor Chris O’Connor said his municipality which operated the regional landfill at Naroghid had no alternative but to pass on the higher government levy for users.
He is hopeful a forthcoming merger between the south-west and Barwon waste reduction groups in August will trigger better efficiencies.
Moyne Shire mayor James Purcell said councils copped criticism when rubbish collection charges increased.
Glenelg Shire Council said there were several landfill levies which were advertised well in advance to councils to incorporate into budget costs.
pcollins@fairfaxmedia.com.au