The increase is in line with Northern Grampians Shire Council's decision to standardise the level of subsidisation of gate fees to 50 per cent by 2016/17 and to apply a flat fee of $10 per visit for some of the recycled materials.

Council resolved to implement the changes after a review identified some items were being subsidised by as much as 91 percent.

Council called for the review of the gate fees in late 2013, in response to community concern about the prices being charged to dispose of waste materials.

The move will eventually mean the amount people are asked to pay at the transfer station gate will be equal to the amount council contributes towards disposing or recycling the item.

Any mixture of commingled recycling (items accepted in the kerbside recycling bin), scrap metal, vehicle batteries and motor oil are covered by the new flat fee.

For example, if you arrive at the transfer station with a trailer load that includes some scrap metal, a car battery and commingled recycling, you will be charged $10 for the entire load.

Residents are reminded they can save on transfer station recycling fees by transporting a larger load in their car or trailer rather than a small number of individual pieces.

Transfer station gate fees in the Northern Grampians Shire currently cover about 25 per cent of the running cost of sites in Halls Gap, St Arnaud and Stawell, with the remainder absorbed by ratepayers through fees and charges.

The costs of operating a transfer station relate to the sorting, storage, processing and transport of materials, as well as staffing and site maintenance.

More information on the new gate fees is available at www.ngshire.vic.gov.au. If you require a printed copy of the new fees please contact council's customer service centre on 5358 8700.