Media Release: Proposed Waste & Recycling Service Changes

Published on 04 February 2026

Yarriambiack Shire Council is inviting the community to have their say on a series of proposed changes to waste and recycling services, set to begin from 1 July 2026. The proposal’s aim is to ensure long term financial sustainability, improve service equity across the Shire, and align Council operations with upcoming State Government requirements.

Council’s review highlights several key challenges affecting ongoing service delivery, including rising operational costs, ageing facilities requiring significant investment, and the need to move towards full cost recovery.

With a small population spread across a large geographic area, current charges no longer cover service costs.

Key Proposed Changes

Kerbside Collection

Standard new service offering: 120L General Waste (weekly), 240L Recycling (fortnightly), 120L Glass (bimonthly).‑monthly).

• Existing 80L and 240L general waste services will be maintained for current customers, unless a request is made for the 120L bin.
• Charges will increase by 10% in 2026/27 to progress towards full cost recovery.
• Larger 240L bins are available under exceptional circumstances.

Commercial Properties

• Commercial kerbside services remain optional.
• Charges to increase by 50% from 2026/27.
• New bin configuration options will be available.

Transfer Stations

• Proposed increase to the general waste fee to $45 per cubic metre, aligning with neighbouring councils.
• Green waste and e-waste disposal will remain free for residents.
• Improved safety, accessibility, and facility upgrades proposed for the Murtoa, Warracknabeal and Hopetoun transfer stations.
• Reduced opening hours at most stations to improve efficiency, with Warracknabeal maintaining current availability.

Hard Waste Collection

• Introduction of a fee-for-service hard waste collection for eligible residents, including Seniors Card holders, Disability Health Care Card holders, and all residents in Yaapeet and Patchewollock where the skip bin service will no longer be available.
• Service offered at $45 per cubic metre, collected directly from homes by booking.

FOGO (Food Organics & Garden Organics)

• Introduction of a new FOGO service from 1 July 2027, mandated by the State Government.
• Community consultation will determine bin size and collection frequency.
• A service fee will apply, with arrangements still being finalised.

Why Are Changes Needed?

Council’s financial modelling shows that current waste and recycling charges fall short of covering the full cost of service delivery. The proposed changes aim to create a fair, equitable, and sustainable system that ensures all residents have access to essential waste services while avoiding cross-subsidisation across other Council operations.

Have Your Say

Community input is vital to shaping Council’s final recommendations.

Residents can provide feedback by:

• Completing the online survey via the QR code on the brochure or by visiting Council’s website.
• Requesting a hard copy survey via phone or email.
• Visiting the Council office in Warracknabeal or the Council Engagement Van.

Consultation closes 13 March 2026 at 5pm, with final recommendations to be presented to Council on 25 March 2026.

END OF RELEASE

Tammy Smith

Chief Executive Officer