Landfill Levy Increases: Look to Reduce Waste and Increase Recycling

- Caroline Peach

Following the Victorian budget announcements last month, you may have already heard about the increase of our landfill levy in Victoria starting July this year. This levy is a fee that we, as waste transport providers, are required to pay each time we deliver waste to landfills.

Key changes

Victoria will raise its waste levy to match that of New South Wales and South Australia. The levy for metropolitan industrial waste will be increased to $132.76 in FY 2025, and this will rise substantially to $167.9 per tonne in FY 2026. The levy at rural landfills, which is currently lower than in metropolitan areas, will also be proportionally increased. According to the budget, the levy increases will help finance the Environment Protection Authority, Sustainability Victoria, and Recycling Victoria, aiming to discourage waste from being sent to landfill.

What does this mean for our customers?

Due to the substantial levy increase, we will need to adjust our landfill disposal rates accordingly. We recognise that this comes at a difficult time with rising living costs and inflationary pressures, and we will do our best to absorb as much of the increase as possible. However, with our own operating costs also climbing, some of this impact will need to be passed on.

We have already begun the review process with a careful approach to price increases and their impact on our customers. As of the publication date of this article, our specialist team is working alongside Area Sales Managers to ensure proper communication regarding the increases, giving you ample time to plan and adjust your waste management strategies accordingly.

Opportunity to reduce landfill waste

Businesses can view this impending increase as an opportunity to review their current waste practices and explore ways to avoid, reduce, and increase recycling efforts (the waste hierarchy). Please contact us to discuss the options that would be best for your business, including enhancing recycling.

Waste avoidance tips for businesses:

  • Audit and Optimise: Review current procurement lists to identify and eliminate unnecessary items, and implement an inventory management system to reduce waste and save costs.
  • Catering: Confirm attendance for meetings to avoid over-catering and reduce food waste.
  • Bulk Purchases: Buy in bulk or larger containers to minimize packaging waste and save money. Choose recyclable packaging whenever possible.
  • Quality Over Quantity: Invest in durable electronics with longer life expectancy, which may cost more initially but save money and reduce e-waste in the long run.
  • Reusable Products: Opt for reusable items instead of disposables.
  • Hand Dryers: Install hand dryers or cloth rolls in bathrooms instead of using paper towels.

Reuse tips for businesses:

  • Reuse Office Items: Repurpose packaging, boxes, and stationery.
  • Scrap Paper: Use old printouts for notes.
  • Staff Swap Day: Organise a swap day for items like books, DVDs, and games to promote reuse and boost morale.
  • Collaborate on Ideas: Brainstorm with colleagues on ways to reduce and reuse items specific to your workplace.
  • Donate Unused Items: Donate unused items.

Recycling options for businesses:

Once you have minimised what can be avoided or reused, consider what can be recycled. KS Environmental provides the following recycling options:

Additionally, other items such as coffee pods, cling wrap, and sandwich bags can be recycled through Terracycle.

If you are interested in adding more recycling streams to your business or just want some further advice, please get in touch with our team. By taking these steps, businesses can not only save on costs associated with landfill disposal but can also play a crucial role in promoting sustainability and environmental protection.