General Waste Gate Charges to Increase at Council Transfer Stations

Councillors yesterday adopted the recommendation to increase gate fees at the Ashhurst and Bunnythorpe Transfer Stations.

The increased prices are required to address the shortfall between the gate fees and the cost of transport and disposal of general waste.

The increase in fees will take effect from 1 July 2016.

The two sites receive general and green waste as well as providing a recyclables drop-off point.

Both general and green waste currently attracts a gate fee which varies depending on load size. As the revenue currently collected does not cover the full costs of general waste transport and disposal, city residents are subsidising the shortfall from the rubbish and recycling targeted rate.

“At the moment we have residents from the city and outside the district driving to Ashhurst to use the Transfer Station,” Rubbish and Recycling Asset Engineer Natasha Hickmott said. “This puts an enormous strain on the facilities, results in long delays for users and is increasing the level of subsidy required.”

In order to ensure that the facility can be delivered within budget in future years, and to address the access issues, it is essential either that gate fees be raised to increase revenue or that the level of service is significantly reduced to lower costs.

To ensure the services provided at the Transfer Stations are sustainable and to avoid large fee hikes in the future, Council will undertake annual reviews and adjustments to gate charges each year through the Annual Plan process.

The new charges will be:
• Car boot $40.00
• Station wagon $50.00
• Van or Ute $60.00
• Trailer $60.00 to $140.00 depending on size

ENDS

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