policy
Sunshine Coast Council Approves New Waste Management Fees Amid Rising Household Costs
Local residents will see higher waste collection charges as part of the council's annual budget adjustments impacting household budgets from July 2026.
How we reported this
The Sunshine Coast Regional Council has approved new waste management fees at its meeting on July 10, 2026, affecting approximately 140,000 households across the region. The changes include an increase in the standard waste bin collection charge by 8 per cent and introduction of fees for green waste collection previously provided free.
The adjustments come as inflation pressures and operational costs have increased over the past year, compelling the council to revise user-pays services. Rising fuel costs and labour expenses have contributed to elevated waste collection expenditures, according to the council's published 2026-27 budget papers.
Impact on Household Budgets
For an average household, the new fee structure means an additional $45 annually for general waste services and up to $60 for those opting into green waste collection. Residents in suburbs such as Buderim and Caloundra will experience these direct cost increases on their quarterly council bills starting this financial year. The council says these fees help cover expenses for contractors and the increased cost of waste processing, which has seen gate fees at local landfills rise by 12 per cent since 2025.
Local community advocacy groups have noted that these additional costs come at a time when many Sunshine Coast families face tight household budgets due to broader economic conditions, including rising energy prices and living expenses. The council's budget documents show that waste management represents 18 per cent of total service costs funded through rates and fees.
Data and Next Steps
The council expects the updated fees to generate an extra $4.2 million in revenue over the next 12 months, which will be directed toward maintaining reliable waste collection services amid increasing demand. The policy also introduces a new concession scheme targeting eligible pensioners and low-income households, offering a 50 per cent rebate on waste collection fees, as outlined in the council’s fees and charges schedule.
Residents affected by these changes have until August 15 to provide formal feedback through the council’s public consultation portal. Council staff will review submissions ahead of finalising fee notices for the 2026-27 billing cycle. The council also plans to launch an educational campaign later this year to inform residents how best to manage waste volumes to potentially reduce costs.