For recyclers

Support for the resource recovery sector

The aim of Queensland’s waste management and resource recovery strategy is to increase recycling and resource recovery in Queensland, reduce the amount of waste going to landfill, and in doing so, boost local economies and create new jobs.

The strategy is underpinned by a waste levy, which makes alternatives to landfill more attractive, and provides funds for ongoing reinvestment in the recycling and resource recovery industry, and other programs that reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.

Discounted waste levy for residue waste

Particular recycling activities are eligible to apply for a discounted levy rate for residue waste they generate and dispose of to landfill. These activities are outlined in schedule 3 of the regulation. The discount is 50% of the applicable levy rate.

Further, an activity may only be eligible if the discount would enable the activity to become established and sustained in Queensland, and if the activity would optimise the market and material value that could be derived from the resource used as feedstock for the activity.

A requirement of approval holders of discounted rate for the waste levy for residue waste is to prepare and submit a report for each six-month reporting period.

A template for these report periods, as well as a worked example, is available to provide approval holders with guidance to fulfil this reporting obligation. The application form and templates are available to download from Applications and forms.

If a particular activity is not listed in schedule 3, the Minister may recommend prescribing in regulation other recycling activities, provided certain criteria are satisfied as set out in section 44(3) of the Act. Should you wish to submit a request detailing how a recycling activity (that is not listed in schedule 3) meet these criteria please contact the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation, Office of Resource Recovery.

Residue waste from a glass beneficiation plant or a material recovery facility

The Waste Reduction and Recycling Regulation 2023 has been amended to include residue waste from a glass beneficiation plant or a material recovery facility as exempt from the waste levy. This exemption provides greater certainty around the application of the waste levy for these important resource recovery activities. View further information about exempt wastes.