Household bills take a hit in rubbish shake-up
The cost of kerbside recycling in parts of Victoria has soared by up to 275 per cent as a direct result of the China recycling ban and collapse of SKM. Now there are fears the government’s new four-bin policy will drive costs even higher.
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Kerbside recycling costs have jumped by up to 275 per cent in some Victorian council areas as the fallout from the China ban and collapse of waste giant SKM continues.
New state government figures reveal Manningham residents paid $45.47 per recycling bin in 2018/19 – a jump of 275 per cent from the previous year.
Kingston residents paid $43.29, an increase of 127.9 per cent, while Whitehorse saw costs rise 171 per cent and Hobsons Bay went up 107.5 per cent.
Councils reported the soaring cost was a direct flow on effect from the China recycling ban, which was exacerbated by SKM collapse that hit 33 councils.
In most cases the cost was passed on to ratepayers through the annual waste charges and are likely to increase further this financial year.
The soaring costs have been revealed amid concerns the state government’s new four-bin policy will force up costs even more putting pressure on Victorian families.
Pascoe Vale mum Lauren Busch said the move to stop recycling going to landfill was a good, but that it shouldn’t cost to ordinary households more.
“If there is one thing we can do at our individual properties, that’s a good thing,” she said.
“If we’re doing something to help a government we shouldn’t have to pay more for it.”
The former SKM sorting facility in Coolaroo has reopened after being bought by Cleanaway.
But Environment Minister Lily D’Ambrosio flagged increasing costs as a new reality for Victorians.
“For too long, the price of recycling was based on exporting to China,” she said.
“This created unsustainable recycling prices and a market monopoly dominated by a few big players.”
The majority of Melbourne councils reported double digit increases including Glen Eira (up 95.4 per cent), Monash (92 per cent), Hume (87 per cent), Nillumbik (99 per cent) and Wyndham (77.4 per cent).
Manningham had the highest increase per bin, however the actual cost was $45.47 below the average of $57.71.
Melbourne City Council had the most costly yellow bins averaging at $93.99 each – up 50 per cent compared to 2017/18.
Bayside residents paid $63.28, Frankston $56.69, Dandenong $59.33 and Moreland $62.22.
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