The Lautoka City Council (LCC) has announced revised refuse collection and disposal charges effective today, citing sharply increased fuel costs and rising operational expenses.
In a public notice, the council said the adjustment follows the introduction of a fuel surcharge and the significant impact of higher fuel prices on waste collection services.
“Lautoka City Council wishes to inform all ratepayers and citizens that there will be an adjustment to user pay refuse collection fees as a result of increased operational costs arising from the recent fuel surcharge effective June 15, 2026,” the notice stated.
The council said fuel prices had risen by 114 percent, from $2.14 per litre in March 2026 to $4.58 per litre in June 2026.
According to LCC, the increase has directly affected the operation of waste collection trucks, transportation of waste to disposal sites and maintenance of collection fleets.
“The above collection service is outsourced and recent increase in fuel prices has significantly raised contractual costs, making a review of collection fees necessary to ensure the continued delivery of reliable and efficient waste management services,” the council said.
Under the revised charges, residential garden refuse collected manually has increased from $56.81 to $73.85 per load, while mixed refuse collection for residential premises has risen from $60.19 to $78.25 per load.
Machine-loaded residential refuse collection has increased from $110.81 to $144.10 per load.
Commercial refuse charges have also increased, with manual loading rising from $62.10 to $80.73 per load and machine loading from $115.88 to $150.64 per load.
Trade and industrial refuse collected manually now costs $83.95 per load, up from $64.58, while machine-loaded collections have risen from $118.58 to $154.15 per load.
The cost of disposing of motor body shells without engines, chassis and wheels using machine loading has increased from $121.50 to $157.95 per load.
LCC thanked ratepayers for their understanding as it seeks to maintain services amid rising costs.
“We appreciate your understanding and continued support as we work together to keep our community clean, safe, and sustainable,” the council said.
The revised charges come as fuel price increases continue to impact businesses, councils and consumers across Fiji.
