Residential waste disposal allowances and fees

All households on Redlands Coast pay a waste utility charge to support the operation of our Recycling and Waste Centres. However, usage varies widely - some residents never visit, most only two to three times per year, and some visit frequently. At the same time, waste management costs are rising significantly – far greater than CPI.

To ensure a fairer system and help manage these increasing costs, we’re reshaping how our mainland Recycling and Waste Centres operate. 

From 6 October 2026 at Birkdale and Redland Bay Recycling and Waste Centres

12 free visits: Landfill and Green Waste

For residents, per vehicle per financial year, for loads containing:

  • Landfill (mixed waste)
  • Green waste

💲Fees apply(PDF, 51KB) after 12 visits

Always free: Recyclables and Hazardous Waste

These items do not count toward your annual allowance and can be dropped off free of charge (when brought in on their own):

*Within current limits and disposal requirements. ^ Redland Bay Only

Fees for specific waste types

💲Fees apply(PDF, 51KB) on all visits for loads containing:

  • Bricks and concrete
  • Clean soil
  • Mattresses
  • Timber
  • Tyres 

Residential ID and proof of address must be shown. Must be in passenger vehicles or combination of passenger vehicle and trailer. Vehicles with a GCVM or more than 4.5 tonnes are not considered residential and commercial fees may apply.

Island Recycling and Waste Centre sites will not see a change in visitation allowance and fees.

Good news! 9 out of 10 vehicles visit fewer than 12 times per year and are unlikely to be impacted by these changes.

Why is it changing?

To be more fair

Under the old system, everyone paid the same through their waste utility charge, regardless of how many times they visited the Recycling and Waste Centres. The new system will see those who visit more often pay to help keep the cost of the waste utility charge lower for everyone.

To help manage rising costs

The 9% of customers who visit more than 12 times a year account for 40% of total landfill waste and green waste received at Birkdale and Redland Bay. Applying a fee for high use visitors, will help offset the costs of managing the higher volumes in waste and the disposal of high processing cost waste types.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the change?

From 6 October, residents will have 12 free visits to mainland Recycling and Waste Centres per vehicle, per financial year. After that, charges will apply. Charges will also apply to the disposal of bricks and concrete, clean soil, mattresses, tyres & timber.

Charges will be paid at the gatehouse on arrival. 

Why didn't Council just keep things the way they were?

Like many councils across Australia, Council is facing significant increases in the cost of providing essential services such as waste management. Waste processing, transport, fuel, materials, disposal costs and the Queensland Government Waste Disposal Levy have all increased substantially, well above the rate of inflation (CPI). 

These rising costs place pressure on the waste utility charge that funds waste and recycling services. 

If no changes had been made, the waste utility charge was projected to increase by approximately 24% in 2026-27. 

To help reduce this impact, Council has introduced an annual allowance and a user-pays model for higher-volume users. As a result, the waste utility charge increase is approximately 18% for most mainland households. 

For a household with a standard 240L general waste bin and 240L recycling bin, this represents an avoided cost increase of approximately $32 per year. 

These changes help ensure the cost of waste services is shared more fairly, with those who use the service most contributing more to its cost, while reducing the impact on the waste utility charge paid by all households. 

What can I bring in that won’t incur a charge or count towards my annual allocation?

These items do not count toward your annual allowance and can be dropped off free of charge: 

✅ Asbestos & suspected asbestos* 

✅ Cardboard 

✅ Donatable clothing^

✅  E-waste

✅ Gas bottles (LPG BBQ, butane & refill — must be empty) 

✅ Hazardous waste and chemicals*^ 

✅ Lead acid batteries 

✅ Motor oil 

✅ Paint & paint packaging*^ (Paintback program) 

✅ RecycleWorld drop-off items and visits 

✅ Scrap metal 

* Within current limits and conditions

^ Redland Bay only

Note: If landfill or green waste is brought in with the above material, this will still count towards the free visit allowance.

 

Will we be given vouchers like other Councils?

No, we will count how many times you visit at the gatehouse using the number plate on your passenger vehicle. 

 

Why are you counting the visits based on vehicle registrations instead of issuing vouchers?

To begin with, the system will use vehicle registration numbers to track visits to mainland Recycling and Waste Centres for the disposal of green waste and landfill waste. This approach has been identified as a practical way to manage visit allocations, keep traffic moving through the gatehouse, simplifies access for residents (including tenants), reduces extra administration time for residents, and supports efficient operation of Recycling and Waste Centres. 

Council will continue to monitor how the system performs and may consider alternative approaches in the future as community needs, technology and operational requirements evolve. 

Will these changes lead to illegal dumping?

Council understands the concern that changes to waste disposal arrangements on Redlands Coast could result in an increase in illegal dumping. 

Illegal dumping is already an offence and is taken seriously by Council due to its impacts on the environment, public spaces and the wider community with costs associated with cleaning up illegal dumping accounting for an estimated $115,000 since 2014. Offences can result in fines of between $220 and $18,150. Serious offences may result in prosecution, higher penalties and a conviction recorded against the offender. 

The proposed allowance model has been designed with consideration of current usage patterns, which show that the vast majority of residents are unlikely to be affected by the 12-visit allowance. In addition, residents will continue to have access to free disposal options for many recyclable and hazardous materials, and exemptions will be available in specific circumstances where additional support is needed. 

Council actively monitors illegal dumping hotspots using surveillance cameras and will continue to monitor illegal dumping reports, waste disposal patterns and community feedback following implementation of the new arrangements. This information will help Council identify emerging issues and determine whether additional monitoring and compliance is required. 

Residents who are required to dispose of waste resulting from illegal dumping on their property may also be eligible to apply for an exemption. 

Is it 12 visits per site or 12 visits in total?

The annual vehicle allowance is 12 visits per vehicle in total regardless of whether you visit Birkdale or Redland Bay Recycling and Waste Centre. The 12 visit allowance applies only for the disposal of landfill (mixed waste) and green waste.

How will you know how many times I’ve visited?

Visits are counted per vehicle for landfill waste and green waste using the vehicle number plate. 

 

 

How will this affect me and my household?

The majority of households will remain unaffected and will be able to continue to use the Recycling and Waste Centres as they have always done. A recent review showed that 91 per cent of residents who visited the mainland Recycling and Waste Centres visited less than 12 times a year, meaning this will only impact high usage vehicles (approximately 9 per cent of vehicles) who visit more than 12 times. In addition to this, only a small number of households drop off the specific waste types that are deemed chargeable. 

Due to the rising costs of managing the cities waste, the waste utility charge will not go down in the 2026/27 financial year and is unlikely to go down in future years. However, by having those who visit more often paying for visits more than 12 times a year, charges will not go up as much as they could have. For example, in the 2026-27 financial year, instead of rising by an estimated 24% the waste utility charge, has risen by 18%.

 

 

What are the exemptions?

From time to time, Council will announce approved programs or activities where an exemption may be applied for all visitors during a set period of time. These may include:

  • Declared natural disaster events, storm events or other waste generating events as defined by Council and/or the Queensland State Government for a set period as defined and approved by Council. 
  • Where identified and announced on an ad hoc basis, seasonal initiatives such as storm preparation or clear up events to assist in removal of targeted waste streams which would pose a risk to public safety as defined by Council.
  • Where identified and announced on an ad hoc basis, other waste management or clearance activities explicitly identified and authorised by Council to mitigate hazards (such as asbestos sand) or to support community safety as defined by Council.

Council may consider an exemption application in the following circumstances: 

  • Where the estate of a Redlands resident is required to dispose of items due to death or serious illness a one-off exemption can be requested.
  • Where a resident is required to dispose of waste illegally dumped on their property boundary.
  • Residents generating non-hazardous medical waste, where an additional kerbside waste bin is not sufficient for the needs of the household.
  • Residents who use a short-term rental truck for household waste transport.

No exemptions will be applied for the disposal of bricks & concrete, clean soil, mattresses, timber & tyres, timber (except where illegal dumping has occurred). Vehicles over 4.5 tonnes GCVM will not be exempt. 

 If you qualify for an exemption, you can apply using the online form from September 2026.

When can I apply for the exemption?

The online application form will be available from September 2026.

Will the waste charges on my rates go down?

Waste utility charges will not go down in the 2026/27 financial year and are unlikely to go down in future years. However, by having those who visit more often paying for visits more than 12 times a year, charges will not go up as much as they could have. For example, in the 2026-27 financial year, instead of rising by an estimated 24% the waste utility charge, has risen by 18%.

Aren't the use of Recycling and Waste Centres already included in my rates?

The Waste Utility Charge helps funds a broad range of waste services across the city, including kerbside general waste and recycling collections, assisted waste collection services for eligible residents, recycling and waste education and the handling of other waste streams at Recycling and Waste Centres, including hazardous waste along with the management of the Recycling and Waste Centre sites. In total, Redlands Coast households generate around 120,000 tonnes of landfill waste and recyclables annually.  

After the 12 free visits have been used for green waste and landfill (mixed waste), a user-pays system applies. This means residents who use the facilities more frequently contribute directly to the cost of providing the service. Charges are set to recover the cost of managing and processing the waste, ensuring higher-volume users pay for the additional service they receive rather than those costs being shared across all ratepayers. 

What are the fees applicable?

Effective 6 October 2026:

Landfill (mixed waste) & green waste: Free for the first 12 visits, per vehicle, per financial year. Charges apply after the 12th visit.

Specific waste types: bricks & concrete, clean soil, mattresses, timber and tyres. The fees will be payable at the gatehouse upon arrival.

See Residential waste fees and allowances(PDF, 51KB). Prices will also be published at the gatehouse.

Why is there a cost to dispose of green waste after my 12th visit?

Doesn't green waste make money for Council? 

No. While green waste can be turned into useful products such as mulch and soil conditioners, the process of collecting, decontaminating, transporting and processing it is a multi-million dollar expense every year. Council pays for the handling and treatment of green waste and does not generate a profit from its disposal.  

If green waste is composted, why is there still a charge? 

The cost of composting green waste is often misunderstood. While the processed material is ultimately reused, Council still incurs costs to: 

  • Operate Recycling and Waste Centres – including the management of the green waste stockpiles 

  • Inspect and remove contaminants like plastics, bagged grass clippings and other non-organic material 

  • Transport material to processing facilities 

  • For licenced contractors to process the material for up to three months 

  • Meet Australian Standards, environmental and biosecurity requirements 

After the 12th visit, the fee helps offset a portion of these costs and ensures the service remains sustainable for the community. The green waste fee will be lower than the landfill fee, reflecting the lower cost of processing green waste. 

Why are changes being made now? 

Like most other waste management activities, the cost of green waste processing and disposal continues to rise due to transport costs and regulatory requirements such as the need to process all organic material in vessel in order to meet stricter environmental standards set by the Queensland Government. Introducing fees for green waste after the 12th visit helps Council recover a portion of the costs for those who generate a greater volume of green waste whilst maintaining safe, environmentally responsible waste management services for residents. 

What else can I do to reduce the number of trips for my green waste? 

For residents who regularly generate and dispose of green waste, Council's kerbside green waste bin service remains the most cost-effective and convenient disposal option. The service provides fortnightly collection from the property and ensures material is directed into proven resource recovery pathways without the need for residents to transport material to a Recycling and Waste Centre.  When ordered, there will be no establishment fee, and the cost of the green waste bin can be offset if the red-lid bin is downsized from a 240 litre to a 140 litre waste bin at the same time. Other opportunities for the management of green waste include mulching and composting onsite. 

For further information:

What happens to my green waste after I drop it off?

Why can't Council mulch the green waste on-site and give it back to the community?

Why is there a separate charge for specific waste types?

Council has introduced charges for certain waste types including bricks and concrete, clean soil, mattresses, timber and tyres because these materials are not considered typical household waste and require specialised handling and processing. 

Although most of these items make up less than 4% of the customer visits to Council waste facilities, they account for more than $670,000 each year in transport and processing costs. Materials such as tyres, mattresses, concrete, bricks and soil can be expensive to recycle, recover or dispose of responsibly. 

By applying user charges to these specific waste streams, the costs of managing and processing these materials are borne by those who generate them, rather than being subsidised by the broader community through general waste fees and rates. This helps Council manage waste services sustainably while keeping costs fair for residents who use standard household waste services. 

I'm a tenant. How can I access the facilities?

Tenants can continue to access Recycling and Waste Centres as they always have. The new system uses vehicle registration numbers to manage visit allocations, rather than paper or electronic vouchers. 

This means tenants can access their vehicle allocation directly, without needing to obtain vouchers from their landlord or real estate agent. The registration-based system also reduces administration for residents and makes access simpler and more convenient for both tenants and property owners. 

If I bring a load of mixed waste that is counted and it includes some recyclables that don’t count, does this get added to my 12-visit allowance?

Yes. Any domestic waste types (landfill) or self-haul green waste that is brought to the mainland Recycling and Waste Centres, even if it includes the non-counted waste types, will be added to the vehicle count.

We encourage visitors to sort their load before they arrive and separate out their material to ensure they maximise their annual free visits.

When will this be effective from?

The count of visits to the mainland Recycling and Waste Centres and charges for specific waste types will start on 6 October 2026. For the 2026/27 financial year the count will end on 30 June 2027 and the annual count will restart again on 1 July 2027 and end at the end of each financial year thereafter (unless changes are announced). 

 

I don’t have a vehicle or trailer and want someone else to dispose of my waste. What can I do?

The number of free annual visits allocated is applied per vehicle. If you don’t have a vehicle or trailer to take the waste to the Recycling and Waste Centre you can engage a paid service provider or tradesperson to assist you with disposing of your waste. Under the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act, commercial contractors are required by law to pay commercial rates which includes the relevant waste levy charges.

Pensioners, Gold Card and residents with a confirmation benefits letter are able to access the STAR community pick up service which provides a service of picking up three large or bulky items for a one-off pick up per financial year. This service will not incur a charge.

I have a large acreage property and need to clear it of green waste regularly. What are my options?

All residents are able to access the Recycling and Waste Centres to dispose of landfill and green waste up to 12 times free of charge. The free annual visit allowance can be used to dispose of green waste. 

To help to maximise your free visit allowance we encourage visitors to fill their trailers to reduce the number of visits they need to make or get one or multiple green waste bins where green waste is collected from households on a fortnightly basis. Other options to reduce the number of trips needed include mulching or composting on site.

I live on one of the islands within Redland City Council, is this applicable to me?

This change is only applicable to residents visiting the mainland recycling and waste centres at Birkdale and Redland Bay.

I visit more than 12 times a year. What does this change mean for me?

If you are one of the nine per cent of vehicles who visit higher than the average household and more than 12 times per financial year with the landfill or green waste, you will be charged Recycling and Waste Centre residential waste fees after your 12th visit. 

How can I reduce my number of visits and save time at the Recycling and Waste Centres?

  • Plan your visit – save time by separating materials and sorting correctly before arriving.
  • Maximise your load – try to hold off visiting until you have a full load
  • Put your wheelie bins to good use – smaller, lighter loads can be managed through the kerbside wheelie bin service including an optional kerbside green waste collection service with multiple bins allowed. 

Why is my residential domestic waste free of charge (for the first 12 visits) if I take it myself but treated and charged at commercial rates if my handyman or local business takes the same waste to the site?

Commercial and Industrial Waste is defined as waste generated from activities including, but not limited to:

  • An activity carried out at domestic premises under a commercial arrangement
  • An activity carried out by a charity or church
  • Providing educational services

Under the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act, commercial contractors are required by law to pay for the disposal of commercial waste which includes the Queensland Governments waste disposal levy.

For example, if you pay for a gardener or trades person then commercial waste disposal charges will apply to the operator transporting your waste.

 

I visit RecycleWorld at Redland Bay more than 12 times a year. Will I be charged?

Along with other non-counted waste types, visits to RecycleWorld at Redland Bay or dropping off RecycleWorld items at Birkdale or Redland Bay (if brought in without other waste material included in the annual allowance limits), will not count towards your 12 free visit annual allowance. 

 

I’m a resident who currently uses commercial vehicle waivers to dispose of my residential waste. What do I do?

Commercial operators who are also residents who only own a commercial vehicle suitable for the transportation of waste and currently use commercial waiver vouchers, will still be able to access the mainland sites to dispose of their residential waste. Current waivers will remain in place until the end of the existing expiry date. Each operator will receive 12 vouchers once their next application is approved. 

How do I pay at the Recycling and Waste Centres?

Birkdale and Redland Bay Recycling and Waste Centres are cashless facilities.  Payment can be made by EFTPOS or Credit Card.

Why doesn't Council provide an annual kerbside bulky waste collection service?

Council regularly reviews its waste services to ensure they are cost-effective, environmentally responsible and provide value for the whole community. At this time, Council does not provide a scheduled annual kerbside bulky waste collection service. The service would cost more than $2 million each year to provide and can result in recyclable materials being sent to landfill. 

Experience from other councils also shows that kerbside bulky waste collections can create safety, traffic and neighbourhood amenity issues. In some cases, they can also encourage the ongoing placement of bulky items on kerbside outside scheduled collection periods, creating expectations that Council will remove and dispose of them.   

Council encourages residents to consider a range of alternatives, including: 

  • Using the Recycling and Waste Centres. Mainland waste facilities still offer 12 visits per vehicle, per financial year to drop off landfill or green waste free of charge 

  • Donating reusable items to charities or community organisations. 

  • Selling or giving items away through online platforms. 

  • Engaging private waste removal services where appropriate. 

 

Why does this change only apply to the mainland and not to island residents?

Island communities have fewer waste diversion options available to them and operationally, due to infrastructure restrictions, we are not able to facilitate this change.  

I’ve just bought a new car and the previous owner has reached the 12 visit limit before the end of the financial year. What do I do?

Your first visit to the Recycling and Waste Centre will be allowed should this occur, however, you will need to advise council through the online Change of Registration and Ownership Form (available from September 2026). You will need to provide proof of change of ownership.

I would like to provide feedback

If you have feedback, contact Customer Service on 07 3829 8999 or via email at rcc@redland.qld.gov.au. If you have a complaint that can’t be resolved, please see Council’s complaint processes and complaints management policy.

Scenarios

Scenario 1: I only visit a few times a year. What does this mean for me?

I only visit a few times a year to bring in mixed waste and green waste. What does this mean for me?

12 visits or less: No charge for landfill (mixed waste) and green waste. Charges apply after your 12th visit. 

If you only visit a few times a year (12 times or less) and you’re bringing in some mixed waste and green waste then there won’t be any change. You can still visit the Recycling and Waste Centres without having to pay until after your 12th visit. 

Scenario 2: I'm bringing recyclables and hazardous waste

I’m only bringing in material that is on your ‘Recyclable’ list which includes: cardboard, e-waste, gas bottles, household recyclables, lead acid batteries, oil - motor and cooking, paint and paint packaging, Recycle-World drop off items and visits, scrap metal and donatable clothing. I'm also bringing in some asbestos and hazardous waste. Does this count towards my annual free visit allowance or do I need to pay?

Specific waste types: No charge

Not counted towards your annual free visit allowance.

These materials won’t be added to your annual allowance as long as they are brought in on their own and there is no other mixed waste or green waste included in the load. If there is mixed waste or green waste included in the load, then this trip will count towards your annual 12 visit allowance.

Scenario 3: I'm bringing specific waste types, landfill waste and green waste

I’m bringing in a mattress and some tyres (which are on fees list) along with some general mixed waste and green waste. What happens here?

Specific waste types: Each material type and quantity will be charged as per the Residential waste fees and allowances(PDF, 51KB).

Free visit annual allowance: One visit counted

From 6 October, the mattress and the tyres will incur an up-front fee at the gatehouse. These fees will be published at the gatehouse. 

The mixed general waste and green waste will count as one visit towards your annual free visit allowance and no fees will apply for this waste type up until your 12th visit. Separate fees will apply after your 12th visit.

 

Scenario 4: I'm only bringing specific waste types

I’m only bringing in some clean soil and bricks (which are on the specific waste types list) from my home. Does this trip count towards my annual free visit allowance?

Specific waste types: Each material type and quantity will be charged as per the Residential waste fees and allowances(PDF, 51KB).

Not counted towards your free visit allowance.

As you are only bringing in waste on the specific waste types list (and not mixed or green waste) this trip won’t count towards your annual free visit allowance, however you will need to pay for the soil and bricks.

Scenario 5: I've reached my free visit allowance. What happens now?

I've reached my 12 free visit annual allowance. What happens?

Free visit allowance reached. Fees now payable.

As you get closer to the end of your 12 free visit allowance, you’ll be notified at the gatehouse. Once you pass the annual allowance, fees will be payable on any mixed / green waste you bring in as well as all future waste until the end of the financial year. Your annual allowance for your vehicle will re-set at the start of every financial year.

Scenario 6: If I only visit RecycleWorld does this count towards my free visits?

Not counted towards your free visit allowance.

If visiting RecycleWorld (Redland Bay) to either drop-off items or to shop, as long as you’re not bringing in any mixed or green waste, your trip won’t be counted towards your annual free visit allowance.

 

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