Victoria’s new waste levy: What you need to know

What is the waste levy?
As of 1 July 2025, the Victorian Government’s EPA imposes a mandatory charge per tonne of waste disposed at landfill sites – called the waste levy. This applies to municipal, industrial and priority waste. The levy is a government policy, completely outside the control of local transfer stations or waste service providers

How much is the levy?
For the upcoming 2025-26 financial year, the rates are:

• $169.79 per tonne of municipal or industrial waste in metropolitan areas
• $84.78 per tonne for municipal waste in rural zones
• $149.33 per tonne for industrial waste in rural areas

Priority wastes – such as contaminated soils and hazardous materials – are subject to even higher rates, sometimes well over $288 per tonne.

Why does Victoria charge this levy?

• To discourage landfill: Higher disposal costs incentivise both businesses and households to minimise waste and improve recycling
• To fund recycling initiatives: Revenue from the levy goes toward resource recovery infrastructure, community recycling programs and cracking down on illegal dumping

What This Means for Future Recycling
Future Recycling operates transfer stations in Pakenham, Hallam, Bayside and more – accepting, sorting and diverting up to 70% of waste from landfill.

Here’s what residents and businesses should understand:

1. The levy isn’t set by Future Recycling
Whether you visit Pakenham, Hallam or Bayside, the EPA waste levy is mandated by law. Future Recycling must collect the fees from the levy but doesn’t decide its amount.

2. Waste is charged by volume
At Future Recycling transfer stations, fees are charged by the cubic metre. The final cost includes sorting, recycling services, facility maintenance and the EPA levy passed through to landfill operators

3. Sorting can save you money
By separating green waste, recyclables, metals and general waste, you reduce how much goes to landfill and thus pay less levy. Future Recycling maximises recyclable recovery to keep landfill volumes down.

4. Some rebates are possible – but strict
Landfill operators can claim rebates for waste diverted to resource recovery facilities within three months, subject to strict EPA conditions. This is complex and handled by the facility, not individual customers.

What you can do

Action
Sort your waste
Use recycling services
Ask at the depot
Stay informed

Benefit
Less levy cost
More diversion from landfill
Transparency
Understands rebate thresholds

Why it matters
Only landfill waste is levied
Supports circular economy
Know exactly what you’re paying for
Know how facilities manage reporting

Final Thoughts

• The new EPA waste levy – which takes effect 1 July 2025 is a state government requirement outside of the control of the Future Recycling business.
• The role of the Future Recycling facility: to collect, sort and manage your waste efficiently, while helping you reduce costs through high recovery rates.
• You pay only for what you dispose of. As long as you recycle and sort effectively, you’ll reduce both landfill impact and levy charges.

Tip: Next time you bring in loads of green waste, metal, timber or mixed hard rubbish – separate them as best as possible. You’ll be doing good for both your wallet and the environment.