General News
5 May, 2026
Gilgandra Shire Council is seeking community feedback on proposed increases to waste facility fees and charges for 2026/27.
The proposed increases form part of Gilgandra Shire Council’s broader planning to ensure the long-term sustainability of local waste services, as costs to process and manage waste continue to rise.
Why are the changes being proposed?
Like many regional communities, Gilgandra is facing increasing costs associated with waste management, including processing, transport, environmental compliance, and long-term landfill capacity.
The Gilgandra Waste Facility is approaching a critical transition point, with the current below-ground landfill cell expected to reach capacity within the next four-five years. Planning for future operations, including above-ground landfill, requires significant investment.
Under legislation, all funds collected from waste fees must be used solely for waste management. As costs increase, a shift toward a more sustainable user-pays system is being proposed to ensure those generating waste contribute fairly to the cost of its disposal.
Council’s general manager, David Neeves, said the increases are about ensuring the long-term viability of local waste services.
“Waste management is becoming increasingly complex and costly, and we are seeing those costs rise each year. These proposed changes are about planning ahead and making sure we can continue to provide a safe, compliant and sustainable waste service for our community. While the increase in fees and charges may not be popular, they are still heavily subsidised by Council. The days of delivering green waste and general waste to the waste facility free is unsustainable”
What is Proposed?
Proposed increase to 2026/27 waste fees and charges include:
Introduction of a $5 fee per wheelie bin (240L) of general household waste delivered to the facility;
Introduction of charges for green waste (excluding lawn clippings), including $5 per wheelie bin, $15 per trailer and $5 per timber pallet; and
Increases to selected items, such as tyres, to better reflect processing and recycling costs.
A full list of proposed changes to Waste Fees and Charges is available on council’s website. These proposals may be particularly impactful for residents outside the town waste collection area who self-haul waste to the facility. Council acknowledges these concerns and is encouraging feedback from all members of the community.
Reducing Costs Through Waste Reduction
Council will be placing a focus on education and encouraging residents to reduce household waste.
Increasing recycling and separating materials correctly can significantly reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill—and in many cases, recycling services are free.
Currently, around one in three households access kerbside recycling services, highlighting an opportunity for greater uptake.
Residents can reduce waste by:
Separating recyclables such as paper, cardboard, plastics and glass;
Composting food and garden waste at home;
Avoiding single-use items and excessive packaging; and
Reusing or donating items where possible.
A range of items can already be disposed of free of charge at the Waste Facility, including recyclables, scrap metal, and certain household problem wastes such as paint, batteries and gas bottles.
Residents are encouraged to provide feedback and have your say by visiting council’s website for more information.
