Council welcomes waste levy waiver for storm-affected residents

Lake Macquarie residents disposing of bulky waste arising from last week’s severe storm will be exempt from paying the NSW Government’s waste levy until the end of February.

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Lake Macquarie was one of nine NSW local government areas declared a natural disaster zone following the wild weather on 15 January, which caused widespread damage and power outages throughout the Hunter Region.

The exemption applies to waste such as building debris, flooded carpet, fallen trees and spoiled food waste caused by the storm, dropped off at Lake Macquarie City Council’s Awaba Waste Management Facility.

An operational fee – also known as a gate fee or tip fee – of $270 per tonne will continue to be charged.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said Council received notification of the exemption on Monday 27 January.

“The waste levy exemption mitigates some of the financial burden on affected Lake Macquarie residents,” he said.

“It will continue until 28 February, but can be extended on a case-by-case basis on request.”

“I’d encourage everyone to take advantage in the first instance of our bookable bulky waste service, which includes the option for a kerbside collection or drop-off voucher at Awaba.”

Anyone with excess green waste related to the 15 January storm should contact Council on 4921 0333.

Go to lakemac.com.au for more information about storm recovery options available for Lake Macquarie residents.