Townsville residents will see a major shift in waste‑facility fees from July 1, 2026, with Council moving to a new load‑based charging system designed to make disposal fairer and more cost‑effective for households that sort their waste.
Instead of paying based on vehicle type, residents will now be charged according to the actual size of their load, with many sorted items still free to drop off.
Mayor Nick Dametto said the change brings Townsville in line with other Queensland councils and gives residents clearer expectations before arriving at waste facilities. Sorting recyclables, green waste and white goods will significantly reduce the amount of general waste residents pay for, while helping divert material from landfill.
A wide range of items will continue to be accepted at no charge when separated, including green waste, cardboard, metals, white goods, e‑waste, paint, gas bottles, used motor oil and household batteries. Council says this approach preserves landfill space and supports better environmental outcomes as the city grows.
Commercial fees will also rise by 28.5 per cent to match other major councils, addressing long‑standing issues with non‑local businesses travelling to Townsville to dump cheaply. A new 30 per cent surcharge on hazardous waste from outside the LGA aims to further deter this practice and ensure local ratepayers are not subsidising external waste.
Residents who sort their loads stand to benefit the most, with the new model encouraging better recycling habits and reducing the amount of material sent to landfill.
