Waste Levy Exemption Extension

Published on 05 February 2026

Norfolk Island Regional Council (‘NIRC’, ‘Council’) is pleased to share that Norfolk Island will receive an extension of the waste levy exemption for the waste generated in Norfolk Island and imported into Queensland by NIRC until 30 June 2030.

Section 8 of the Waste Reduction and Recycling Regulation 2023 (QLD) provides a waste levy exemption for waste generated in Norfolk Island and imported by NIRC into Queensland. This exemption was originally due to expire on 30 June 2026.

On 5 December 2025, the Queensland Government formally amended Section 8 of the Regulation, extending the waste levy exemption for Norfolk Island until 30 June 2030.

Council thanks the Queensland Government for this continued exemption, as it supports both NIRC and the community by easing financial pressures and enabling continued compliance with sustainable waste management practices.

All waste from the island disposed of in landfill is classified as Regulated Waste Category 1. In the 2024-25 financial year, more than 500 tonnes of waste were landfilled, which would equate to approximately $100,000 in levy costs.

With the exemption in place, the community is forecasted to save approximately $400,000 plus in waste levy charges over the four-year period from 2026 to 2030.

There are other costs still associated with exporting waste off the island, including freight, customs, biosecurity, transport to the storage and landfill area, and waste disposal fees, so this exemption is extremely appreciated.

Council encourages the community to continue taking simple steps to reduce waste at home and in workplaces.

Reducing, reusing, and recycling correctly will help ease pressure on the Waste Management Centre, reduce costs to the community, and support a more sustainable environment for Norfolk Island.