Kerbside recycling: What new scheme means for South Burnett residents

South Burnett residents will soon finally receive a kerbside recycling service, shaking up waste processing across the region. Here’s everything you need to know about the new scheme:

South Burnett residents will finally get access to kerbside recycling in the new year, with the council set to rollout the scheme across the region.

The new program was given the tick of approval at the South Burnett Regional Council’s 2022-23 budget meeting on July 8, with the program receiving unanimous support from councillors.

Here’s everything you need to know about the new scheme and how it will affect you:

Background

Recycling has been a perennial issue in the South Burnett, with plenty of interest over the years but concerns over the cost of scheme has hampered its adoption.

The council had originally investigated kerbside options in 2013, and while a survey found two-thirds of respondents were interested in the service, the majority were hesitant because of the cost.

Residents in Nanango had benefited from a kerbside recycling scheme until 2014 when the area was part of the Nanango Shire Council.

But with advances in capability at the Cherbourg recycling facility and the approaching end of life of some of the region’s landfills, the council again looked to recycling.

Mayor Brett Otto explained that preventing recycling from end up in landfill saved money in the long run.

He conceded the cost of landfill had become burdensome for the council, particularly the rehabilitation of landfill sites that are quickly reaching capacity.

“Recent studies have identified we could significantly reduce the amount of waste product going into landfill if we were able to find a recycling solution,” he said.

“We've got some of our dumps reaching the end of their life as landfill facilities, and we’re looking at a number of options for how we can actually manage the disposal of that waste.”

He said the money saved on landfill – as much as $300,000 – would then be reinvested back into the recycling program, limiting the cost for ratepayers.

Cherbourg recycling plant manager, Andrew Beckett with cans ready for shipment.

What is it?

The scheme will see eligible residents receive a 240L yellow-top bin that will be collected fortnightly.

Residents will be able to place items such as cans, milk bottles and cardboard into the bin for collection and recycling.

The council will prepare an education campaign to explain to residents exactly what can and can’t be put in the bin.

Mr Jane Erkens spoke during the budget meeting and noted the campaign would be vital for the success of the scheme.

“We now should be getting out and encouraging our community to make sure that they recycle properly,” Ms Erkens said.

“Because if they don't do that, and if they don’t use the recycling bin responsibly, then it’s not going to be the saving we want.”

The council estimates up to one third of landfill in the South Burnett could be diverted using the scheme, creating a significant saving for the council.

Who will be serviced?

The scheme will be administered by the council’s present waste contractor JJ Richards and Sons, and all residents serviced by the current waste collection scheme will be provided a recycling bin for kerbside collection.

The region’s 13 Waste Transfer Facilities currently offer some recycling services, but it was noted during the meeting only some facilities have the ability to be serviced under the new scheme, although this may increase.

How much will it cost?

Eligible ratepayers to cover the cost of the scheme through a fee of $35 every six months, with a 50 per cent discount of concession card holders.

Where will the recycling go?

The recycling materials will be sent to and processed at the Cherbourg Materials Recovery Facility.

An alternative option to send the materials to Toowoomba was judged too costly.

When will the scheme begin?

The scheme is expected to start in January, 2023.