Skip to main content.

Chapter 2: Monthly returns

This chapter provides information on submitting, updating and amending monthly returns.

Overview

All disposal facility operators must submit returns to the levy collector. The default position is submitting monthly returns, but operators of small facilities (those receiving 1000 tonnes or less per annum) can apply to submit returns annually. See Chapter 3: Annual returns.

Monthly returns are due on the 20th of the month after waste has been deposited.

Refer to the Calculation and Payment of the Waste Disposal Levy guide for more information.

Estimated returns (monthly)

If you do not submit and verify a complete and accurate return, then five days after the return was due the levy collector will create an initial estimate of the amount of waste deposited at your facility for that month. You can submit a return after an initial estimate has been created, and that information will be taken into account when the levy collector issues the final estimate.

Final estimates are issued 15 days after the due date for the return. You can still submit a return after the final estimate has been created, so your records are complete, however any additional information will not affect the amount you are required to pay.

An estimate displays as an additional line on the Return summary screen.

Return summary screen (monthly returns)

You can view the status of pending and previously submitted returns using the Return summary screen.

Return summary screen.

The status of the return or estimate determines the type of action a user may take.

Status Description/Action
Awaiting return A blank return has been created by the system and requires completion.
Either the Data Entry user or Verifier can SUBMIT RETURN.
Verification required A return has been submitted but needs to be verified before it can be used to calculate the levy. The:
  • Data Entry user can UPDATE the return until it is verified
  • Verifier can UPDATE and verify the return.
Verified A return has been verified and will be used to calculate the levy. The:
  • Data Entry user can VIEW the return
  • Verifier can UPDATE the return until it the levy is calculated and an invoice generated.
Levy calculated

An invoice has been generated for the return. The:

  • Data Entry user can VIEW the return

  • Verifier can AMEND the return.
Rejected The return is outside tolerance levels and has been rejected in favour of an estimated return. Either the Data Entry user or Verifier can VIEW the return.
Initial estimate

No return has been verified, or the return was rejected, and an estimate has been generated as an additional line in the Return summary screen.

Either the Data Entry user or Verifier can VIEW the estimate or, for the actual return line for the month, SUBMIT RETURN. Any return submitted will be taken into account when the final estimate is generated.
Final estimate

The final estimate has been generated, overwriting the initial estimate.

Either the Data Entry user or Verifier can VIEW the estimate or, for the actual return line for the month, SUBMIT RETURN. Any return submitted once the final estimate has been generated will have no effect on the levy payment required.

 

Submit a return

When to use

Use these steps to submit a return.

Refer to the Calculation and Payment of the Waste Disposal Levy guide for information about calculating tonnage, diverted material, and extensions for storage of material over six months.

Role

  • Data Entry user

  • Verifier

Note: Verifiers can also verify a return.

Steps

Step Action

1

Click on the Returns link in the Content panel.

2

Click the SUBMIT RETURN link beside the return for the relevant month.

Result: The Return submission screen displays. The example below shows a third column, “Diverted material (older than 6 months)”, which only displays if an extension of storage time has been granted.

Return submission screen

3

 If there was no activity at your facility during the month, click the check box above the “Diverted material” heading. Otherwise, enter the metric tonnes for each material you are reporting on.
Field Description
Material in Enter the tonnage for the material received at your facility.
Diverted material Enter the tonnage of the material you have diverted for recycling and other purposes, where the material has been on your facility for six months or less.
Diverted material (older than 6 months) Enter the tonnage of the material you have diverted for recycling and other purposes, where the material has been on your facility for more than six months, and you have a valid storage extension.
Note: The system calculates the sum of the amounts in the Total fields.

4

Click the NEXT button.

Result: The Return submission – Summary information screen displays the net tonnage and provisional calculations, taking into account any waivers and exemptions that are valid at the time.

5

 If the return activity is different from the normal amount of activity, a text box displays below the Total fields. Enter an explanation of the unusual activity.

Return submission – Summary information screen

6

Check that the entries are correct, and then click the Submit button.

Result: The return status changes to Verification Required, and the:

  • Data Entry user can UPDATE the return until it is verified

  • Verifier can UPDATE and verify the return.

Where to next?

The Verifier will verify the return.

Note: If the return is not verified by the due date, an estimate will be generated for your facility.

 

Verify a return

When to use

Use these steps to verify a return. You must verify the return before the return’s due date, to ensure your facility avoids being issued with an estimate.

Refer to the Calculation and Payment of the Waste Disposal Levy guide for information about calculating tonnage, diverted material, and extensions for storage of material over six months.

Role

Disposal Facility Verifier

Steps

Step Action
1 Click on the Returns link in the Content panel.
2 Click the UPDATE link beside the return for the relevant month (where the status is Verification Required).

3

Check that the entries are correct, and update if required. Click the NEXT button.

Result: The Return submission – Summary information screen displays.

Return submission – Summary information screen

4

If the return activity is different from normal activity, a text box below the Total fields displays an explanation entered by the Data Entry user (see the previous page for an example.)

Update the explanation of the unusual activity, if required.

Note: We may contact you for further clarification.

5

Check that the entries are correct, and then click the Verified check box.

Note: OWLS calculates the provisional levy due, taking into account valid waivers and exemptions. The amount may change if you update the return, or are granted a waiver.

6

Click the Submit button.

Result: The status changes to Verified. You can update the return until the levy is calculated.

Where to next?

The levy collector processes your return, and calculates the levy payment due for that month.

Note: If you find you have made a mistake in your original return, you can amend the return after the levy is calculated.

 

View and download statements

When to use

Use these steps to view and download statement details. Statements include previously issued invoices and any payments you have made since your last statement.

Statements are only available for download as PDF files.

Note: Charges and payments will display after you have submitted a return, and the levy for that period has been calculated.

Role

  • Data Entry user

  • Verifier

Steps

Step Action

1

Click on the Charges & Payments link in the Content panel.

Result: The Charges and Payments screen displays.

Charges and Payments screen

2

View or download details as required.

To… then…
find out the current balance for the facility

refer to the Current Balance field.

Note: This balance includes pending transactions.

view outstanding amounts

refer to the Unpaid invoices section. Invoices will display in this section until paid in full.

Note: Where interest has been charged, the invoice displays on a separate line.
view payments made refer to the Payments made since last statement section.
download a copy of a statement go to step 3.
3

Select the relevant month in the Select statement to download drop-down list.

Result: A Save As dialogue box displays.
4

Select the location you want to save the file to, and click Save.

Note: Repeat from step 3 for any other statements you want to download.

Where to next?

If you have any queries about your statement balance, invoices or payments, please call
0800 WDLEVY (0800 935 389)