The NSW Government has waived the waste levy for 17 Local Government Areas impacted by flooding in the Mid North Coast and Hunter region.

Residents in the areas hit hardest by the storm can dispose of flood-affected items at landfill sites without having to pay the waste levy fee for the next three months.

Storm generated waste includes damaged building materials, furniture, carpet, garden debris and other items. It does not cover waste generated by property repair or pre-existing materials.

Landfill operators may still charge their own landfill operation charge, also known as the gate fee or tip fee, to manage waste. Residents should also contact their local council before visiting their local tip to ensure it is still able to accept waste.

The Waste Levy Exemption applies to the following local government areas: 

•                   Bellingen

•                   Central Coast

•                   Cessnock

•                   Clarence Valley

•                   Coffs Harbour

•                   Dungog

•                   Kempsey

•                   Lake Macquarie

•                   Maitland

•                   Mid Coast

•                   Muswellbrook

•                   Nambucca Valley

•                   Newcastle

•                   Port Macquarie-Hastings

•                   Port Stephens

•                   Singleton

•                   Upper Hunt

Councils can activate the waste levy exemption by contacting the EPA and nominating which facilities they would like to use to dispose of disaster waste. 

The EPA will continue to monitor the need for new exemptions as required.

NSW Minister for Heritage, Penny Sharpe said, “Waiving waste levy fees for impacted communities is just one way we can help speed up recovery and clean-up efforts and reduce the financial impact on households and businesses.  

“We know these communities are resilient and we will stand with them throughout this disaster and its cleanup.”