Waste Sector Warns Diesel Shortage Could Disrupt Trash Collection

‘Ensuring continuity of waste and recycling services is not optional,’ said Gayle Sloan, CEO of the waste disposal peak body.

A driver fills up tanks at pumps in a Shell gas station on Parramatta Road in Sydney, Australia on March 10, 2026. George Chan/Getty Images

Australia’s peak bodies for waste collection have warned that ongoing diesel fuel issues could lead to less trash being collected and potential health risks.

Representatives from the sector penned an open letter to Energy Minister Chris Bowen, saying there could be just weeks or days before services are significantly impacted.

The sector has not been listed on the government’s priority checklist in the midst of the Iran War which has impacted global oil cargo coming out of the Middle East.

Gayle Sloan, CEO of Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association Australia (WMRR), said drivers were already finding it difficult accessing supply.

“These pressures are not theoretical—they are being felt now and are expected to intensify in the coming weeks and months,” she said in a statement.

“Often operating out of sight, our sector can be overlooked in times of crisis.

“However, it is fundamental to the effective and efficient operation of Australian businesses and the broader community.”

The WMRR is calling for immediate recognition of the sector as an essential service so that it gets included in fuel allocations and engagement with government.

“Ensuring continuity of waste and recycling services is not optional—it is fundamental to safeguarding public health and maintaining community wellbeing,” Sloan said.

Across Australia, some fuel stations have reported running out of petrol and fuel, as the federal government doubles fines for false and misleading behaviour at the pump.

Businesses engaging in price gouging at the bowser now face fines up to $100 million, with Treasurer Jim Chalmers saying retailers are being put on notice.

The Albanese Labor government is also easing diesel standards in a bid to increase fuel supply for farmers, truck drivers and regional communities to help deal with shortages.

The measure, to be in place for six months, would lower the allowable flash point from 61.5 degrees Celsius to 60.5 degrees which would allow more sourcing options.

The diesel flash point is the minimum temperature at which fuel emits enough vapour for combustion, with lower flash points requiring less heat to do so.

Meanwhile, the opposition has launched its “No Fuel Here” website to allow motorists to log service stations experiencing shortages.

Liberal Senator Michaelia Cash questioned comments by Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil, who said there was there was “more fuel circulating in the economy at the moment” than before the conflict.

“Bowsers are dry, there’s 166 in this country that are dry,” Cash told Sunrise.

“You can get tankers today to those 166 stations. You’ve just admitted there’s fuel sloshing around the country, well if it’s sloshing around ... get Chris Bowen in a blasted tanker and get him to drive it to those stations.”

The Epoch Times contacted the Waste Contractors and Recyclers Association of New South Wales, which has contributed to the push for inclusion on the government’s list of essential industries.

The Epoch Times also contacted the office of Energy Minister Chris Bowen.