Monash rates could go up thanks to China’s ban on recyclables

MONASH ratepayers could be slugged with higher rates due to the recycling crisis, with the council facing a multimillion-dollar bill every year for the next decade as it is charged higher waste processing fees.

MONASH ratepayers could be slugged with higher rates due to the recycling crisis.

The council has secured its household recycling service with Visy, but it’s come at a cost.

It is facing an unexpected and unbudgeted $18 million cost over the next decade, triggered by China’s ban on imported recyclables.

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The ban has resulted in recycling companies no longer offering a rebate to councils, instead charging a processing fee, as in the case of the deal between Monash Council and Visy.

Monash is now asking to be exempt from the rates cap and, if denied, may look to add a separate waste charge to meet costs.

Monash Mayor Paul Klisaris reassured residents there would be no disruption to household recycling collection after weeks of uncertainty.

“This is not just an issue for Monash, it’s a global crisis that has hit the recycling industry and is impacting on all councils and businesses worldwide,” he said.

“Seeking a variation on the rates cap is not a decision we have made lightly but we are now faced with increased recycling fees that we as a community have to meet.”

If either a rates variation or a waste charge is introduced, the council will consider a pensioner discount as part of the change.

Monash will also apply for an allocation of the $12 million support package for councils announced by the State Government on February 23 to help meet the increased costs of recycling.