Reasons for changes in how waste and recycling charges are applied

Equity among all ratepayers

This charge is part of an ongoing process by Council to standardise garbage and recycling collection services and charges, to ensure they are applied equitably to all residential properties and that each residential property has an equal opportunity to access garbage and recycling services.

A shared contribution to recycling

The provision of standard garbage and recycling services to all rateable properties is vital to achieve goals to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill. The State Government’s Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy has set each NSW council area a target of 75 per cent of all waste to be diverted away from landfill by 2021/22. Tweed Shire is currently diverting less than 50 per cent of all household waste, with significantly lower levels diverted from some multi-unit properties.

Ensuring all multi-unit properties are providing sufficient recycling services for each unit / townhouse is one way complexes can contribute to Tweed Shire meeting the 75 per cent target of waste diversion from landfill.

Planning requirements

Your property was approved under the Tweed Development Control Plan, Section A15 – Waste Minimisation and Management, which requires minimum amounts of garbage and recycling collection to be supplied per unit and townhouse.

For definitions of properties, minimum garbage and recycling collection requirements and proposed annual minimum collection charges for these services:

• Click here for Frequently Asked Questions for townhouse owners.
• Click here for Frequently Asked Questions for owners of units in large multi-unit complexes
• Click here for Frequently Asked Questions for managing agents

All residential properties in Tweed Shire must be charged for both garbage and recycling collection services.

Many properties require more than the minimum amounts and pay for these accordingly. However, the minimum amounts listed in Table 1 on each FAQ sheet are the lowest capacities and fees that can be applied for each unit or townhouse.

Legal obligations

Under Section 496 of the Local Government Act, all councils are required to charge annual domestic waste management charges (including garbage and recycling collection) for every parcel of rateable land on which waste management services can be provided.

Food organics service

In mid 2017, Council will introduce Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) bins and the current optional green waste service will become compulsory for all residentially-rated urban properties, where possible. Garden waste and household food waste can be placed in FOGO bins and will be processed at a composting facility soon to be built at Stotts Creek Resource Recovery Centre.

Council understands there are space limitations for many multi-unit complexes and FOGO bins will not be compulsory for large-scale unit blocks.Complexes that wish to introduce the service will be able to contact Council to negotiate their options.