From 1 July 2024, the rate of the WA landfill levy will be increased to $85. The levy was last increased in 2018.
This initial ‘catch-up’ increase is to ensure the effect of the price signal is maintained relative to other costs.
A rolling five-year schedule of levy rates will be published periodically. The anticipated rates for subsequent years are shown in the table below.
| Financial year | Levy rate to take effect | Levy rate per tonne | Levy rate per cubic metre |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023–24 | 1 July 2023 | $70 | $105 |
| 2024–25 | 1 July 2024 | $85 | $129 |
| 2025–26 | 1 July 2025 | $88* | $133* |
| 2026–27 | 1 July 2026 | $90* | $136* |
| 2027–28 | 1 July 2027 | $93* | $141* |
The levy is imposed on waste disposed to landfill in Perth or on waste generated in Perth and disposed of elsewhere in the state.
Reece Whitby, Environment Minister, said the levy rise was a necessary catch-up. The 2024 introduction date will give local governments and industry time to plan for the change.
“We need to reduce, reuse and recycle and the waste levy helps to discourage sending recoverable materials to landfill,” Whitby said.
“We’re ultimately striving for a low-waste, sustainable state. Landfill should always be the last resort, and this is an important step towards achieving our recovery targets.”
The role of the levy will be further considered in a review of WA’s 2030 Waste Strategy. The State Government will also consult later in 2023 with businesses and the community on a proposal to expand the levy boundary into regional areas.
A rolling five-year schedule of levy rates will be published periodically to reflect changes and encourage early adoption of preferred waste recovery options.
The decision on the levy follows a review by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.
*The need for further increases will be considered as part of the 2023 review of the Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy 2030 (the waste strategy). This review will consider progress against the waste strategy’s targets and provide advice on further initiatives which may be needed to accelerate outcomes or target progress in particular areas.