Cashless at BWMC
As part of the transition to the site operations subcontractor managing toll booth services at the Burnie Waste Management Centre, the facility will move to a cashless payment system from Monday, 10 November 2025.
1. Why is the Burnie Waste Management Centre going cashless?
This change reflects the community’s growing use of cashless payments and the fact that many residents already make use of the free disposal for loads under 100kg per visit.
Since introducing this 100kg free disposal, very little cash has been taken over the counter, making it no longer cost-effective or necessary to maintain cash-handling and security arrangements. Going cashless helps to:
- Keep staff and customers safe by avoiding handling cash.
- Make transactions faster and reduce waiting times.
- Improve accuracy and record-keeping.
- Provide a modern, convenient service that matches how people pay elsewhere.
2. What if someone doesn’t have a card or contactless payment option?
Residents without a card can still use the free disposal for under 100kg per visit.
If your load looks to be over 100kg, our toll booth team will check how you plan to pay. Waste can’t be accepted without a commitment to pay on that visit, so you may need to return with a cashless payment option.
Commercial customers who previously used cash and don’t have a card or cashless option can set up a Burnie City Council account to make future visits easier: Burnie Waste Management Centre - Credit Application Form(PDF, 75KB)
3. Is Council still supporting residents with free disposal?
Yes. Burnie residents can still dispose of under 100kg per visit for free. This continues as normal and covers many household trips.
4. Can the Waste Management Centre legally refuse cash?
Yes it’s perfectly legal to go cashless. The important thing is that customers are informed before paying. This could be through a sign at the entry or toll booth, or by staff letting you know before payment is required.
5. Why did Burnie City Council join the North West Regional Waste Resource Recovery (NWRRR) alliance?
Council joined the NWRRR alliance to work with other North West councils and make waste services more efficient and consistent across the region.
Through this partnership, Burnie can:
6. Why is Dulverton Waste Management now managing the Burnie Waste Management Centre?
Dulverton Waste Management (DWM) is a regional, council-owned specialist with strong experience in managing waste facilities and contracts.
With DWM managing the site, Burnie gains:
- Operational efficiencies and shared systems.
- Access to regional contracts for waste and recycling services.
- Better compliance and environmental management through regional expertise.
7. Will there be any change in how residents use the site?
Not much will change. The same services, recycling areas, and friendly team will still be there.
The only difference is that loads over 100kg will now need to be paid for using a card or contactless method.
In addition, there will be more regional recovery initiatives and activities taking place onsite, funded through the State Waste Levy grant, supporting improved recycling and resource recovery outcomes for the region.
8. How does this change fit into Burnie’s broader Waste Service Optimisation?
Going cashless is part of Council’s plan to:
- Make waste services simpler and more efficient.
- Improve financial management and safety.
- Support the regional waste strategy and national goals for better waste and recycling outcomes.
This is a positive, future-focused change that will make the Waste Management Centre safer and more efficient, while keeping free disposal for smaller loads and supporting Burnie’s long-term waste and recycling goals.