Green waste disposal

Regional waste management costs are 100% funded by landfill gate fees and the Waste Collection and Landfill Management Utility Charges included in each Rates Notice.  

At the February General Meeting, Council endorsed an annual free domestic green waste disposal weekend at the Stubley Street Landfill.

The free dump days, which will occur in October, are designed to coincide with the clean-up of properties in preparation for storm/cyclone season

Councillor Alan Barr said Council currently offers free waste vouchers to Charters Towers rate payers for domestic and/or green waste, which can be used at the holder’s discretion.

“The addition of a free green waste disposal weekend is a great initiative and is a perfect reminder for residents to prepare for adverse weather,” said Councillor Barr.

Discussions regarding this subject led to further considerations around other waste management strategies, including the provision of free green waste disposal all year round, possible green waste kerb-side collections, or increasing the number of waste vouchers for domestic green waste.

Landfill gate fees for the disposal of green waste are currently in place so that the person creating the waste pays for its disposal, thus resulting in lower utility charges for landowners.

If landfill gate fees were to be removed, rates would need to go up, and rate payers who may never visit the landfill, end up paying for others to dispose of their waste.

It is important that each identified option is given thorough consideration by all stakeholders, especially Rate Payers, before a final decision is made.

“Council is encouraging the community to provide feedback via a simple survey, which will only take a minute or two to complete.

“This is a great opportunity for the community to inform and guide Council on how they wish green waste disposal to be managed moving forward,” continued Councillor Barr.

Submissions closes at 4pm on Wednesday, 26 April 2023.

The survey can be completed online via Council’s Have Your Say Portal at haveyoursay.charterstowers.qld.gov.au/ or paper copies will be made available at Council’s Administration Centre and Excelsior Library.