Victoria’s Waste Levy is Set to Rise

What You Need To Know

If you haven’t heard or read about it, a significant adjustment is coming to how waste is managed across our state, impacting both households and businesses. Effective from the 1st of July 2025, the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) waste levy will see a notable increase.

What does this mean for us? For metropolitan areas, the rate for municipal and industrial waste is rising from its current $129.27 to $167.90 per tonne. This represents an increase of $38.63 for every tonne of waste directed to landfill. Rural landfill rates will also be adjusted proportionally, ensuring this change applies statewide.

Encouraging Better Waste Management

The primary reason behind this increase is the Victorian Government’s strong commitment to more sustainable waste practices. The clear goal is to encourage better waste management, reduce our reliance on landfills, and stimulate vital investment in recycling and resource recovery infrastructure.

By making landfill disposal more expensive, the government aims to encourage a shift towards more environmentally responsible alternatives. This adjustment also works to bring Victoria’s waste levy rates closer to those already in place in New South Wales and South Australia, contributing to a more consistent approach across the country.

How It Affects Us All

For businesses, especially those that generate substantial amounts of waste, this levy increase will directly affect operational costs if current disposal methods continue. This development highlights the importance for companies to carefully review and refine their waste strategies.

For households, it might mean seeing a slight bump in your local council waste charges, as councils face higher costs for disposing of our general rubbish at landfill. It also puts more focus on doing our bit at home. The idea is to encourage everyone to cut down on waste and make the most of kerbside recycling and food organics (FOGO) collections.

Every tonne of waste that can be diverted from landfill, whether through reducing what’s generated or through increased recycling, will help manage these rising costs. This encourages new approaches to waste separation and better ways to recover materials.

Generated Revenue Reinvested

It’s important to note that the revenue generated from this higher waste levy is not simply collected. It is purposefully reinvested into crucial environmental programmes throughout Victoria.

This includes significant funding for the EPA to strengthen enforcement efforts, allowing them to address issues such as illegal dumping more effectively. Furthermore, these funds support important initiatives like Recycling Victoria, which aim to boost recycling rates and contribute to a cleaner environment.

Towards a Circular Economy

This change is a key part of Victoria’s broader plan to transition towards a circular economy. In a circular economy, resources are valued and kept in use for as long as possible, being recovered and reused rather than simply discarded. The increased levy acts as a financial driver to speed up this essential transformation.

Preparing for the Upcoming Change

For businesses, they can prepare for this change by conducting a thorough assessment of their waste streams. Look for practical opportunities to reduce waste at the source and implement better separation practices. Work closely with waste management providers to explore all available recycling and resource recovery options.

For households, they can prepare for this change by continuing to make full use of their kerbside recycling services. Understand the local council’s guidelines for waste separation. If available, consider using food and garden organics (FOGO) collection to further reduce general waste.

Unlimited Bins is Here to Help

In light of the EPA waste levy increase, Unlimited Bins can directly help you in managing your waste more cost-effectively and responsibly by focusing on effective waste segregation and offering tailored bin solutions. Actively adopting more responsible waste management practices can contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future for Victoria. Let’s work together to make this happen.