Australians could see their weekly bin collection reduced or even temporarily paused as waste collectors struggle to secure enough diesel to keep trucks on the road. The Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association of Australia (WMRR) says disruptions could begin in the coming weeks as fuel access tightens across the sector.
A major concern for operators is that waste and resource recovery has not been included on the government’s “priority fuel user” list, which would give essential services priority access during a national fuel emergency.
WMRR chief executive Gayle Sloan said the industry’s role is often underestimated, despite being vital to daily life. “Often operating out of sight, our sector can be overlooked in times of crisis. However, it is fundamental to the effective and efficient operation of Australian businesses and the broader community,” she said.
Ms Sloan warned that any interruption to waste collection has serious consequences. “The waste and resource recovery sector provides a critical service that underpins public health, environmental protection, and the functioning of our communities and economy across all of Australia, including regional and remote areas,” she said. “The reliable collection, transport and processing of waste cannot be paused or deferred. Any disruption risks public health, environmental harm, and significant community impacts.”
She said some businesses are already facing limited diesel access, restricting the number of services they can run. Operators are also dealing with rapid, ongoing fuel price rises that are putting pressure on existing contracts, as well as growing risks to service delivery, particularly outside major cities.
The sector has also warned some waste collectors are operating at a loss because of the high cost of diesel, which is averaging $2.82 nationally.
