Waste and recycling centres
Waste and Recycling Centres offer a convenient way to dispose of items that can’t go in your household bins, such as bulky items, large loads or specialised waste. There are 11 WRCs and 2 landfills servicing the city.
$5 gate fee from 1 July: a fairer way to manage landfill waste
From 1 July 2026, a $5 gate fee will apply at our waste and recycling centres if your load includes ANY landfill or construction and demolition waste. If you’re dropping off recycling or green waste ONLY, it’s still free.
Find out more about New gate fees.
What you can take to a waste and recycling centre
Accepted items vary by location, but generally include:
- general waste – household rubbish, including food waste
- recycling – cardboard, paper, plastic, glass bottles and cans, scrap metal
- green organics – garden waste such as branches, leaves and grass
- other items – mattresses (most centres), lounges, couches and gas bottles (up to 9kg)
- soil, sand, concrete, bricks, tiles and asphalt (must be sorted and free of contamination).
Use our WRC map to find your nearest centre and check what it accepts.
Some items are not accepted at all centres or require special handling, including:
- asbestos
- certain hazardous materials.
Always check ahead to avoid delays or additional fees.
Opening hours and busy times
Opening hours can vary, especially during peak periods.
To avoid queues:
- visit outside peak times – 10am to 2pm, weekends and public holidays
- sort your load before arriving.
Check the WRC map for current hours.
Fees and free disposal
A $5 gate fee applies to loads containing landfill (general waste) or construction and demolition waste.
Recycling and green organics are free to drop off if they:
- are separated into clean, dedicated loads
- come from a Gold Coast residential property (proof of residency is required)
- are not from business or commercial activity
- arrive in an eligible vehicle (sedan, van, ute or small trailer – not a truck)
- are within residential load size limits
- contain only materials that are accepted for recycling or composting.
Local not-for-profit organisations may apply in writing for fee concessions for clean ups activities.
Waste and Recycling Centres accept EFTPOS only. Tap-and-go is available at all sites. Cash and cheques are not accepted.
Find out more about waste disposal fees.
How waste and recycling centres work
Our waste and recycling centres are designed to make drop-offs quick and efficient, helping divert more material from landfill.
WRCs have specific sections for general waste, recycling and green organics.
Important changes to Merrimac Waste and Recycling Centre
The Green Organics Drop and Go at Merrimac is temporarily closed to make way for an important sewerage infrastructure upgrade, commencing earlier than planned.
We are building a new green organics pad at Merrimac, expected to open in March 2027. To find out where you can take your green organics during the closure, visit our WRC maps.
Before you visit
Prepare your load to make your visit faster and easier:
- Sort your materials into general waste, recycling and green organics.
- Ensure loads are clean and free from contamination.
- Cover and secure your load (net, rope or tie-downs). Penalties may apply for unsecured loads.
Read our Sort your load fact sheet(PDF, 151KB).
What happens when you arrive
1. Stop at the gate so staff can check your load.
2. At some centres, your vehicle may be directed over a weighbridge.
3. You may be asked to show proof of residency, such as:
- driver licence with a Gold Coast address
- rates notice or utility bill
- rental agreement or receipt.
4. Pay a $5 gate fee if your load contains any general (landfill) waste. EFTPOS only.
5. Staff will direct you to the correct drop-off areas including:
Specific types of waste must be disposed of in dedicated areas – for example, recyclables must be dropped at Recycle Street, not dumped in general waste.
Not sure what goes where? Search over 40,000 items using Recycle right.
Residential load size limits
Maximum load sizes apply at Currumbin Valley, Helensvale, Jacobs Well, Merrimac, Pimpama (green organics only) and Springbrook.
- Mixed landfill waste: up to 2.1 metres long × 1.5 metres wide × 60 centimetres high
- Green organics (grass, leaves and garden trimmings): up to 2.1 metres long × 1.5 metres wide × 1 metre high
Larger loads are accepted at Reedy Creek, Molendinar and Stapylton where standard fees apply.
Frequently asked questions
How do you check what I’m bringing to the WRC?
We use a combination of trained staff and technology, including cameras and licence plate recognition. Breaches of entry conditions may result in fines or access restrictions.
Is there a discount on gate fees?
No. The gate fee ensures that landfill costs are shared by those who use the service most and encourages waste reduction.
Nearly half of our residents (46%) visit a WRC just once a year, and around 30% don’t use WRC services at all.
What if I have commercial waste?
Waste from business or commercial activities (including work on investment properties) must go to Reedy Creek or Stapylton, where commercial fees apply. Find out more on our Disposing of commercial waste page.
What if I'm bringing in waste for someone else?
- A $5 gate fee applies to residential loads containing landfill or construction waste
- The resident must attend and show proof of address
- If that’s not possible, call 1300 GOLD COAST (1300 465 326) for advice
Why do we check ID and scan numberplates?
This information may be collected for operational purposes. See our Privacy page for details.