Circular Head launches Waste Partnership to shape the future of local services
Circular Head Council is inviting the community to be part of a new conversation about waste - how it works, what it costs, and how it should look into the future.
Circular Head General Manager Paul Gardner said “the Waste Partnership is based on a simple idea - that managing waste is a shared responsibility. This is about being clear on what Council does, what the community does, and how we work together. Council provides the services and infrastructure, but how the system performs also depends on everyday decisions - like what goes in the bin and how much waste we create.”
The Circular Head Waste Partnership has been introduced to bring Council and the community together to help shape a new waste strategy.
Councillor John Oldaker said “waste services affect every household and business, and the way they are managed has a direct impact on both costs and the environment. Waste might not be something people think about every day, but it’s one of the biggest and most expensive and complex service that Council delivers. The reality is, managing waste isn’t just a Council responsibility anymore - it’s something we all share.”
A number of pressures are driving the need for change, with the State Government’s landfill levy a major factor.
The levy has significantly increased the cost of sending waste to landfill and will continue to rise.
General Manager Paul Gardner said “The landfill levy started at $20 per tonne in 2022. This financial year it is $45.84 per tonne, and from 1 July 2026 it will increase again to $70 per tonne. Every tonne of waste sent to landfill attracts that cost. For a regional area like Circular Head, that adds up quickly. It’s one of the key reasons we need to reduce how much waste goes to landfill and look at smarter ways to manage it.”
Mr Gardner said the levy is combined with other local pressures, including ageing infrastructure and the future closure of the Port Latta landfill.“
At the same time, we need to make sure any future system works for Circular Head - not just copy what happens somewhere else.”
Mr Gardner said the Waste Partnership is about being open with the community and working together on practical solutions.“
We want people to understand how the system works, what drives the costs, and where they can have a say” he said.
“There are also simple things everyone can do - like using the right bin and reducing waste - that make a real difference.”
Over the coming months, Council will share more information and provide opportunities for residents, businesses and community groups to get involved.“
This is about building a system that’s fair, practical and sustainable - and making sure it works for our community now and into the future,” Councillor Oldaker said.
How to get involved
Community members can stay informed and get involved in several ways, including:
- Taking part in upcoming surveys and engagement activities. Complete the first survey now
- Signing up to receive updates directly through our monthly newsletter