We’re itemising waste charges for transparency, so our ratepayers can see a breakdown of their rates, and what waste services cost.

We are transitioning to a user model which will enable Council to better ensure people can pay for the services they use. It brings the City of Melbourne in line with 73 other Victorian municipalities.

The Waste Charge will apply from 1 July 2022 and will appear on the 2022-23 Annual Valuation and rate notices issued in mid-August.

No. The Waste Charge allows Council to do nothing more than recover costs as part of a system which is audited by the Essential Services Commission on behalf of the Victorian Government. The objective of this change is not to increase revenue.

The Valuer-General Victoria decides the median house price each year.

In 2022-23 the median house price in the City of Melbourne has been set at $505,000.

Residential properties valued at or above $505,000 will pay a flat $378 Waste Charge.

Residential properties valued below $505,000 will pay a flat concession amount of $150.

Yes. About 20 per cent of ratepayers in the City of Melbourne who do not use waste services, will not pay the Waste Charge.

The Waste Charge for commercial properties is determined using a similar calculation for general rates.

Commercial property owners will pay a variable rate in the dollar amount according to their Capital Improved Value (CIV) property value.

Yes. Commercial property owners have always paid a waste charge as part of general rates, but the charge is now being itemised for fairness and transparency. The waste charge allows us to keep our streets clean and safe.

There are 18,300 businesses in the City of Melbourne and most of these use private waste collection services.

There are 3000 commercial properties which use Council’s waste and recycling collection services. The Waste Charge for these ratepayers will be calculated on the concessional model. That means a flat rate of $150 or $378 will be applied, based on their property value.

Rates can be paid in 4 instalments:

• 30 September 2022
• 30 November 2022
• 28 February 2023
• 31 May 2023

The Waste Charge allows Council to provide essential services to our community, and plan for the introduction of new services.

In addition to street cleaning and amenity services, we collect and dispose of:

• general waste
• recycling
• litter management
• street cleaning
• dumped waste
• hard waste
• food and garden organics
• soft plastics
• business waste
• electronic waste
• chemicals.

We also play an important role in educating residents about the importance of correct recycling.

Council has a strong commitment to supporting all members of our community through this change, including pensioners. Pensioners who own and occupy their home are eligible for pensioner concessions.

We are committed to strengthening social equality and inclusion. There is support for ratepayers experiencing financial hardship.

City of Melbourne owner-occupied residential property owners can apply for assistance via our website or email rates@melbourne.vic.gov.au.

Yes. You can call our Customer Service on 96589658.