Liquid waste collection service
Council's contract for servicing holding tank pumpouts ceased 9 July 2023. Residents are to engage private contractors for this service.
Council coordinated the holding tank collection service on behalf of our community. We engaged a contractor to collect and dispose of liquid waste.
The service has recently undergone a review which has resulted in some changes.
As with every service we provide, we seek to offer excellent customer outcomes that represent best value for money for our community.
However, the review found that from July 2022, the costs for council to continue to provide this service would increase considerably.
From July 2023 households would no longer benefit from council performing a coordination role for this service.
The review also found that there are now more private companies that offer a liquid waste collection service.
This gives property owners more choice when choosing a new supplier.
Frequently asked questions
What does this mean for property owners?
What does this mean for property owners?
You now have the flexibility to select your own supplier. This gives you more variety of choice and the ability to negotiate your own arrangements.
A list of possible Sunshine Coast suppliers will soon be available.
What is holding tank liquid waste?
What is holding tank liquid waste?
Holding tank liquid waste is sewerage stored in holding tanks at domestic and commercial premises.
What are liquid waste disposal contractors?
What are liquid waste disposal contractors?
Liquid waste disposal contractors are private contractors who collect, transport and discharge liquid waste into a facility that is appropriately licensed and approved to receive the waste.
Who should I contact as a new supplier?
Who should I contact as a new supplier?
Liquid waste disposal contractors are private contractors who collect, transport and discharge liquid waste into a facility that is appropriately licensed and approved to receive the waste.
There are several contractors across our region who can provide holding tank pump-outs. This list may not be exhaustive and contractors may not service all suburbs.
This list does not constitute a recommendation from Sunshine Coast Council.
- Cleanaway
- Hinterland Waste Water Services
- JJ's Waste & Recycling
- Remondis
- SAF Septic Cleaning
- Suez
- Suncoast Liquid Waste Removal
- Suttons
If you would like your business added to or removed from the list, please send details to: WasteAdmin@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
What service does council currently provide the community?
What service does council currently provide the community?
Council currently coordinates the holding tank collection services for some members of the community. We engage a contractor to provide the service and the contractor charges council a fee for the service.
What is the change to council's collection service?
What is the change to council's collection service?
From July 2023, council will no longer engage a contractor to provide holding tank collection services. You will be able to select your own supplier. This will give you a greater range of choice and the ability to negotiate your own arrangements.
Why is council changing its service?
Why is council changing its service?
A recent review of the liquid waste service found that from July 2023, the costs for council to continue to provide this service will increase considerably. There will no longer be any benefit to households for council to provide and administer this service.
The review also found that there are now more private companies that offer a liquid waste collection service. This gives property owners more choice when choosing a new supplier.
How many properties are affected?
How many properties are affected?
There are about 650 properties affected.
Has council considered subsidising the costs of the service?
Has council considered subsidising the costs of the service?
Council operates its waste and resource recovery services under a user pays principle. For the holding tank services this means people are responsible for the full cost of managing the waste they generate.
There are many types of liquid waste collection services provided to businesses and homes across the Sunshine Coast.
These include septic tank pump outs, domestic and commercial grease trap pump outs, and oily water trap pump outs.
Council does not subsidise these form of liquid waste collection services.
Can I stop using council services before 9 July 2023?
Can I stop using council services before 9 July 2023?
Yes - you can change at any time. Should you want to cancel your service before July 2023 please email WasteAdmin@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au. A four weeks notice period will apply to service cancellations until June 2023.
If I stop my service now, will I be refunded for the time I haven't used?
If I stop my service now, will I be refunded for the time I haven't used?
Yes.
How do I know they'll do the job properly?
How do I know they'll do the job properly?
The service provider must have a licence to undertake such services.
Why can't these properties have on-site sewage treatment plants?
Why can't these properties have on-site sewage treatment plants?
Some properties may be able to have this. However, some properties are too small, or the blocks are too steep. For more information about on-site sewerage facilities visit the On-site treatment and greywater page.
Are there any other options for their properties so they don’t need a liquid waste service?
Are there any other options for their properties so they don’t need a liquid waste service?
Council is open to discussing any other possible solutions with households that could suit their needs.
For more information please email WasteAdmin@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au and a Waste Officer will be in touch.