Commercial and non-resident waste disposal fees and charges

Commercial waste is both Commercial & Industrial (C&I) waste and Construction & Demolition (C&D) waste as defined in the Waste Reduction and Recycling Regulation 2023 (Schedule 13).

Commercial waste includes waste generated by a commercial or industrial activity carried out at a domestic premises under a commercial arrangement. Fees are applicable to the disposal of all commercial waste. Penalties may apply if false or misleading information is provided when delivering waste.

For a full list of items accepted/ not accepted at Recycling and Waste Centres see:

• Items accepted at Recycling and Waste Centres
• Items not accepted at Recycling and Waste Centres

Even as a commercial operator, you can dispose of a range of items free of charge (if separated) at the following Recycling and Waste Centres:

Scrap metal: All centres

• Appliances
• Caravan
• Car bodies – car body disposal decaration form(PDF, 163KB) must be completed prior to arrival
• Ferrous metal
• Lawn mowers
• Metal fencing, water tanks and boats / trailers
• Microwaves
• Non-ferrous metal
• Power tools

Lead acid batteries: All centres except Karragarra Island and Lamb Island

Co-mingled recycling: All centres except Lamb Island
Including shredded paper (in a sealed cardboard box)

Cardboard: Birkdale and Redland Bay only
Commercial fees apply at Coochiemudlo Island, Macleay Island, North Stradbroke Island

Paint and paint packaging: Redland Bay only 

• See Paintback scheme for full acceptance criteria
• maximum 100L in volume per visit
• must be carried in secure containers no larger than 20L

Indicators of commercial waste disposal are applied at the gatehouse or via audit and include (but are not limited to):

• Vehicle registered as commercial
• Vehicle signage
• Tools of trade
• Waste types consistent with commercial operation
• Frequency of visits
• Actual Gross Combined Vehicle Mass (GCVM) at the weighbridge > 4.5 tonne; and/or
• Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) – allowable limit of vehicle + load is > 4.5 tonne. This may be determined by:
  • Driver requiring Light Rigid Vehicle licence
  • Evidence of GVM published by vehicle manufacturer
  • VIN plate on vehicle.

Vehicles with a GVM over 4.5 tonne may be referred to Birkdale recycling and waste centre to determine GCVM at the weighbridge.

Residential ratepayers pay a waste utility charge in their rates which covers the cost of all household waste including kerbside bin collection and the management of Council-run recycling and waste centres. Council pays a waste levy to the Queensland Government for the disposal of commercial waste received at Council-run facilities. These fees are required to be paid by the business to avoid any increase in costs for residents. In addition, unpaid commercial fees provide an unfair competitive advantage over those commercial operators who are complying with the law and paying the relevant fees.

Commercial fees cover the cost of disposing, composting or recycling commercial waste including the costs associated with the Queensland Government Waste Disposal Levy (where applicable). Fees are based on the amount of waste brought into the recycling and waste centres: 

• All recycling and waste centres (except for Birkdale) measure green waste in cubic metres
• All recycling and waste centres (except for Birkdale) charge for commercial mixed waste (Commercial & Industrial) by vehicle type and configuration
• Birkdale Recycling and Waste Centre has a weighbridge, measuring all commercial waste types by weight (accuracy of +/- 20kg).

EFTPOS is not accepted on island recycling and waste centres due to a lack of internet access and power in some instances and must be paid via cash or account.

Cash is not accepted at mainland recycling and waste centres and must be paid via account or EFT.

Yes, you can use your commercial vehicle to dispose of your household waste as a resident.

👉 Apply online for a Commercial Vehicle Waiver or via PDF form Application for a Commercial Vehicle Waiver and submit to Council.

If approved, you’ll be issued vouchers which provide eight annual visits for residential recycling and waste disposal.

When disposing of commercial waste, commercial fees will still be applicable. 

Once we receive your application, it will be assessed and if approved:

• Eight waivers will be issued
• Waivers are valid for 12 months from the date of issue
• No further waivers will be issued within the 12 month period
• Waivers must be surrendered to the Recycling and Waste Centre staff prior to disposal.

Please note that during this time, as we are reviewing your application, you may still attend our Recycling and Waste Centres. Each load is assessed of the waste type being disposed, if it is deemed as residential type waste by the gatehouse, they will let you through without a charge. This is valid until a decision has been made on your application. Terms and conditions apply. See application form / vouchers for a copy of the terms and conditions.

If you believe you have been incorrectly identified as disposing of commercial waste, you will need to complete the Disputing Commercial vehicle status form online. To allow enough time to review your application, this form must be completed within the two weeks from the date of your notice. Commercial vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Mass more than 4.5 tonnes cannot be disputed.

Please note that during this time, as we are reviewing your application, you may still attend our Recycling and Waste Centres. Each load is assessed of the waste type being disposed, if it is deemed as residential type waste by the gatehouse, they will let you through without a charge. This is valid until a decision has been made on your application.