At its meeting on Monday night, Whitehorse City Council decided to join 75 of the 79 other councils across Victoria in implementing a Waste Service Charge. Whitehorse City Council Mayor, Cr Tina Liu was at pains to emphasise that this is not an extra charge on top of rates. She explained, "This means we separate out the charge for waste and recycling services from the general rates, and itemise these charges in more detail on the annual Rate Notice."
Cr Tina Liu said, "Separating charges for waste and recycling services from general rates makes them more transparent and fair."
The new way of charging will be implemented for the 2023/24 financial year, so residents will notice the change on the annual Rate Notice they receive this time next year.
Cr Liu explained, "Properties will be charged the same flat fee for kerbside and public waste services, which is fairer and more transparent. Residents will actually be able to see what they're being charged for kerbside bin services. Under the rates model we've had until now, all services are rolled into one general rate. This means that properties with a higher Capital Improved Value have effectively been contributing more for kerbside and other waste services than properties with lower Capital Improved Values."
The Mayor emphasised that, "The new model for charging for waste is a big step forward for fairness. Properties that are not eligible for kerbside bin services will no longer be charged. Previously, owners of apartments in large complexes might have paid for bin services through their rates, but then also had to pay for private collections."
Having waste and recycling services charged as separate items means Council can recover the actual cost of delivering these services. Changes to the Waste Service Charge over time will reflect actual changes to the costs of delivering the services.
"Without introducing a Waste Service Charge we would have to move funds away from other vital services in order to pay for waste and recycling. This measure allows Council to recover the real costs of delivering reliable waste and recycling services, while having a transparent conversation with our community about the steps we can all take to reduce waste and divert more from landfill. The rising environmental and financial costs of landfill are not sustainable."
Whitehorse City Council conducted extensive community consultation on the rising cost of waste in 2021 and 2022, with residents strongly agreeing that a separate waste charge would increase transparency. Survey respondents supported fair and sustainable options for recovering the costs of waste, while ensuring people with health or disability reasons for generating waste continue to be supported.
The Waste Service Charge will be implemented in accordance with the Local Government Act 1989 and 2020. It will be overseen by the Essential Services Commission to ensure Council only collects as much as it actually costs to provide waste services.
