The City of Gold Coast will continue to prioritise waste collection, recycling and disposal services in its 2026–27 budget, despite rising operational pressures driven by global cost increases and new state charges.
Alongside ongoing upgrades to facilities and services, Council will maintain subsidised bulky kerbside collections and continue offering free recycling and green waste disposal at Waste and Recycling Centres.
A major $15 million investment will upgrade the Pimpama Waste and Recycling Centre into a full-service facility designed to cater for both residential and commercial users across the fast-growing northern corridor.
Mayor Tom Tate said the upgrade was a key long-term infrastructure investment for the city.
“Pimpama will become one of our premier centres catering to all commercial and residential customers in all categories,” Mayor Tate said.
However, he said increasing costs, including a $12.5 million State Government waste levy, meant Council could no longer absorb all service expenses.
To address this, Council will introduce a targeted user-pays model for some services. From July 1, a $5 landfill gate fee will apply at waste centres, while recycling and green waste disposal will remain free.
A $50 service fee will also be introduced for the on-demand bulky kerbside “FLEXiSKiP” service, which Council says still represents around 15 per cent of the retail cost.
Mayor Tate said the changes would ensure fairness and help maintain service levels.
Pre-orders for FLEXiSKiP bookings will open from June 17 ahead of the new system starting in July.
Image source: goldcoast.qld.gov.au