The waste levy has been waived for four Local Government Areas (LGAs) affected by the recent bushfires across NSW.
Until 30 April 2026, residents impacted by bushfires can dispose of damaged items at landfill sites without paying the waste levy fee.
The exemption applies to bushfire-related waste on public and private land, including damaged building materials, furniture, carpet, fallen trees, garden debris and other items.
After Natural Disaster Declarations were made, the Waste Levy Exemption applies to the following LGAs:
- Central Coast
- MidCoast
- Upper Hunter
- Muswellbrook
Landfill operators may still charge their own operational cost to manage waste, also known as a gate or tip fee. Residents should check with their council before visiting their local tip to ensure it can accept waste.
Councils can activate the exemption by contacting the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and nominating which facilities they would like to use to dispose of disaster waste.
The EPA will continue to monitor conditions and consider additional exemptions if required.
Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said:
"As people begin to pick up the pieces of their lives after the devastation of the weekend, it's important we support them in any way we can.
"Lifting of the waste levy fee not only frees up a financial burden, it streamlines the process of clean up for people, which in turn enables them to get on to the rebuild phase.
"Our community is resilient, and we will support each other throughout this disaster and the clean-up and rebuilding process ahead."
Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said:
"As our community moves to clean-up and rebuild from the devastation of this weekend's fires the lifting of the waste levy fee is an important way to ease financial pressures on our community.
"The removal of the waste levy fee ensures that damaged material is disposed of quickly and safety, while eliminating some of the stress in such a difficult time.
"Our community has come together in the face of this disaster, and I know that we will also face the clean-up and rebuild process together."
