The NSW Government has waived the waste levy for 17 local government areas affected by recent flooding in the Mid North Coast and Hunter regions, easing the financial burden for residents during the clean-up process.
Dylan Anderson
Waiver Covers Flood-Affected Waste
The levy exemption applies for a period of three months and covers the disposal of storm-generated waste such as:
- Damaged building materials
- Furniture
- Carpets
- Garden debris
However, the exemption does not apply to waste generated from property repairs or pre-existing waste.
Local Landfill Fees May Still Apply
While the NSW waste levy fee has been waived, residents should be aware that landfill operators may still charge a gate fee (tip fee) to cover site operating costs. It’s recommended that residents contact their local council in advance to confirm whether their nearest landfill is accepting waste and whether any fees apply.
Dylan Anderson
Eligible Local Government Areas
The waste levy exemption applies to the following councils:
- Bellingen
- Central Coast
- Cessnock
- Clarence Valley
- Coffs Harbour
- Dungog
- Kempsey
- Lake Macquarie
- Maitland
- Mid Coast
- Muswellbrook
- Nambucca Valley
- Newcastle
- Port Macquarie-Hastings
- Port Stephens
- Singleton
- Upper Hunter
Local councils must contact the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to activate the exemption and nominate specific waste disposal facilities.
Ongoing Monitoring and Support
The EPA will continue to assess the situation and may extend or introduce new exemptions depending on further storm damage or regional needs.
Minister for Environment and Heritage, Penny Sharpe, stated: "Waiving waste levy fees for impacted communities is just one way we can help speed up recovery and clean-up efforts and reduce the financial impact on households and businesses.”
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Residents should consult their local council or visit the EPA website for current updates and local site arrangements.
Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
