Understanding HRCC’s waste service charges

With annual rates notices now being distributed, Horsham Rural City Council (HRCC) has provided an explanation of the waste service charges.

The Cost of Waste Management

Last financial year, the cost of collection, transportation, and disposal of waste and recycling amounted to $5.25 million.

This includes $1.1 million for 7,297 tonnes of general waste from kerbside collection and transfer stations, and $1.4 million for 1,239 tonnes of co-mingled recycling, glass, e-waste, cardboard skips, and green waste.

Part of this cost is the state government ‘waste levy’ which is charged as an incentive to reduce the amount of waste deposited at landfill sites.

In 2023-24 the waste levy was $470,000 for the municipal garbage collected from Horsham and deposited at the Dooen Landfill site.

Cost Recovery Model

A common misconception is that the Council profits from the thousands of individual waste fees collected from property owners each year.

In reality, the waste charge simply covers the $5.25 million cost of running the services - plus a contribution for periodic major costs at Dooen Landfill and the transfer stations, for example each time a new landfill cell is constructed.

Four-Stream Waste System

The state government has mandated that all Victorian councils transition to a four-bin waste service by 2030.

HRCC has already completed this transition.

Since the introduction of the four-bin services in April 2023, the initiative has effectively diverted an average of 250 tonnes of organics and 10 tonnes of glass per month from being buried at the Dooen landfill.

This has helped prevent the state government’s (2023-2024) $1,286,271 landfill levy from being significantly higher.

What Can You Do?

Not sorting waste into the correct bins undermines everyone else’s efforts and ultimately increases HRCC’s annual waste charges for residents.

Additionally, reducing the overall waste you produce lowers costs for your household, community, Council, and the environment.

By shopping sustainably, minimising single-use items, and reducing food waste, you contribute to Victoria’s sustainable future.

For tips on minimising waste, visit Sustainability Victoria's website.

You can also find information on how to properly separate your waste on the Council’s website.