QLD Waste Levy Rises from 1 July 2025 – What It Means for Your Business

From 1 July 2025, waste levies in Queensland have risen as part of state government efforts to encourage recycling and cut landfill use. These charges apply to every tonne sent to landfill – which means your July invoice may look noticeably higher than June’s.

While you can’t change the waste levy rises themselves, you can change the amount of waste you send to landfill. That’s where the real opportunity lies – to reduce your costs, improve recycling performance, and gain more value from your waste services. At Wanless, our goal is to help you waste less, recycle more, and keep your waste costs lean and transparent.

Queensland – General Waste Levy Up 10.5%

Queensland’s new general waste levy rises are $105 per tonne, up from $95, an increase of 10.5%. This applies in levy zones and is designed to support the recycling industry while discouraging landfill disposal.

The quickest way to control costs is to keep recyclables out of general waste bins. Optimising bin placement and size across your site, and regularly reviewing your waste invoices for anomalies, ensures you only pay for what you actually need.

Turning a Fixed Cost Into a Variable One

Waste, like insurance, is a necessary business cost – but unlike insurance, you have a direct influence over how much you pay. The less you send to landfill, the less levy you’re charged.

At Wanless, we make that process simple: right-sizing your bins and collections, helping your team sort waste more effectively, and giving you transparent, proactive advice so your waste is always managed ethically and sustainably.

If your July invoice came as a shock, let’s talk. A quick waste health check could reveal ways to save straight away – without cutting corners on compliance or sustainability.