New charge for solar panel recycling From 1 April, solar panels will be charged at the household/ commercial bulky waste gate at $31.60 and $40.40 per 100kg respectively (approximately $7/ $9 per panel). From 1 July, the charge is set to be a flat fee of $10 per panel, to cover the cost of recycling (including additional handling and admin). Previously, solar panels went to metal recyclers and only a small percentage of the panels were recycled. Now, about 95% of the panels will be recycled.
Most waste materials that do not fit or cannot be placed in your existing bin system can be taken to Ballina's Resource Recovery Centre.
All vehicles are weighed in and out of the Resource Recovery Centre and waste materials are charged on a weight per category basis. This makes it more cost effective for visitors. On arrival, weighbridge staff will direct you to the appropriate area for your materials.
To ensure you are charged the cheapest rates, make sure you sort your items into waste, recyclable and FREE drop-off items. You may be required to go over the weighbridge twice to differentiate free, fixed price and fee-based materials.
Fees and charges are reviewed each financial year and subject to change from 1 July. Downloadable version of Resource Recovery Centre and bin collection fees & charges for 2025/26.(PDF, 6MB)
$404/tonne