Transfer station changes
Published on 08 October 2026
Our transfer stations at Talbot, Dunolly and Bealiba have new hours for daylight savings.
They are now open 8am to 12noon (instead of 9am to 1pm). There is no change to the opening hours at Carisbrook.
Transfer station fees will also increase from Friday 23 October 2026.
The increases reflect the rising cost of waste disposal, including increases in the State Government's landfill levy, landfill gate fees and transport costs.
These fees will apply for the 2026–27 financial year.
Why are fees increasing?
The cost of disposing of waste has increased significantly in recent years.
Key drivers include:
- Increased landfill levy charges
- Higher landfill disposal (gate) fees
- Rising transport and haulage costs
- Increasing environmental and regulatory requirements
These costs continue to rise across the waste industry and directly impact the cost of managing waste for our community.
The fee changes represent a gradual shift from a heavily subsidised model towards a user-pays approach. Gate fees will increasingly cover the direct costs of landfill disposal and transport, while the broader transfer station network will continue to be funded through the Waste Management Charge.
How are transfer stations funded?
Transfer stations are funded through a combination of:
Waste Management Charge
The annual Waste Management Charge helps fund:
- Transfer station operations
- Site maintenance and infrastructure
- Environmental and regulatory compliance
- Resource recovery services
- Planning and management of the waste network
Transfer Station Gate Fees
Gate fees help cover the direct costs of:
- Transporting waste
- Landfill disposal charges
- Landfill levy costs
Historically, many of these disposal costs have been subsidised through the Waste Management Charge.
The revised fees represent a gradual move towards a fairer user-pays approach, with gate fees increasingly covering the actual costs of landfill disposal and transport, while the broader transfer station network continues to be funded through the Waste Management Charge.
Why is Council making this change?
This approach:
✔ Better reflects the actual cost of waste disposal
✔ Reduces the level of subsidisation paid by all ratepayers
✔ Ensures those using disposal services contribute more directly to the costs incurred
✔ Supports the long-term sustainability of waste services
Please respect our staff
Transfer station staff do not set fees or Council charges.
They are responsible for providing a safe, efficient and compliant service for the community and should be treated with courtesy and respect.
Aggressive, abusive or threatening behaviour towards staff will not be tolerated.
We appreciate the community's understanding as Council works to maintain a sustainable and affordable waste service for the future.