Geelong councils not yet affected by recycling ban

LOCAL councils have assured residents that their recycling will be unaffected by a recent ban from China, but the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) is warning of hikes in the garbage charge to compensate.

Earlier this year, China stopped accepting more than 20 categories of solid waste that were previously sent there by several countries, including Australia.

Some councils in rural areas are already re-assessing their options, but the City of Greater Geelong, Surf Coast Shire and Colac Otway Shire – who all use SKM Recycling – have issued statements saying there will be no immediate changes.

“We are committed to showing environmental leadership and encourage people to continue to separate recyclables and place them in their yellow lid bin,” the Surf Coast Shire statement said.

“Councils across the state are working with the Victorian government and industry as a matter for urgency to respond to the issues posed by the China restrictions on recycling.”

However, MAV chief executive officer Rob Spence said last week that while rural councils had been the most directly affected, it had become clear that the impacts would be statewide and it was likely there would be “significant cost implications for all councils and ratepayers”.

“A number of rural councils are already having to consider costly short-term arrangements in order for their recycling services to continue beyond this week.

“With Victoria’s three recycling companies positioning for a statewide price adjustment, we are seeking an outcome that would enable recycling services to continue without a significant cost of living impact on Victorian residents.”

Council waste charges are excluded from Victoria’s rate cap. Any price adjustment by recyclers is unbudgeted and will need to be passed to households through waste charges.

Mr Spence said the implications being discussed by recyclers would result in rate increases of between 1.1-2.5 per cent for affected rural councils on top of the 2.25 per cent state rate cap, and similar rises at metropolitan councils.

“We are calling on the Victorian Government to provide assistance to councils until June 30 so that councils are not forced to pull funding from other essential services or send recyclable material to landfill.”