Mattress recycling, mulch trial now available at Kleinton waste facility by Toowoomba Regional Council

The Toowoomba Regional Council has introduced several new services to one of its major regionally-based waste facilities.

Council water and waste portfolio leader Cr Nancy Sommerfield is welcoming the new services at the Kleinton Waste Management Facility, including mattress recycling.

Mattress recycling and a mulch service will now be available at one of Toowoomba Regional Council’s major waste facilities.

The Kleinton Waste Management Facility will run a free monthly mulch service trial starting from June, along with the ability to recycle mattresses at the site.

Water and waste portfolio leader Nancy Sommerfield said the expansion of services was in line with the scheme that operates at the Greater Toowoomba Waste Management Facility at O’Mara Road.

“Council is committed to diverting as much recyclable material as possible from landfill to reduce operating costs and promote further environmental benefits,” she said.

“Large bulky items like mattresses have posed challenges up to now as they do not compact easily, due to the springs, and take up significant landfill space.

“Council has been running a successful mattress recycling service at GTWMF since November last year and recently started a similar service at the Kleinton Waste Management Facility.

“Council has processed more than 3000 mattresses since starting the service.

“Workers cut open the mattresses and remove the springs, which are sold as scrap metal.

“The cumulative effect of the recycling service has allowed Council to save around 1100 cubic metres of landfill space and produced 36 tonnes of steel, which is sold to a recycler.”

Cr Sommerfield said a six-month free mulch trial would provide an opportunity to assess the interest from the community in the service.

TRC water and waste chair Cr Rebecca Vonhoff said the effects of additional recycling initiatives was leading to a significant reduction in material ending up in our landfills.

For a list of recyclable items, visit tr.qld.gov.au/recycling.

Originally published as Mattress recycling, mulch trial now available at Kleinton waste facility by Toowoomba Regional Council