Greater Toowoomba Waste Facility visitor numbers spike over holiday period as long lines witnessed

Huge line-ups have been witnessed at the Greater Toowoomba Waste Management Facility recently, but the council says this is not out of the ordinary for the season.

The The Greater Toowoomba Waste Management Facility. Photo McNab

Been stuck in long lines to get into the Greater Toowoomba Waste Management Facility lately? You’re not alone.

The O’Mara Rd facility has witnessed a spike in visitors as part of the traditional post-holiday period, with more than 36,000 trips logged since December.

Water and waste portfolio leader Cr Nancy Sommerfield said more than 12,000 tonnes of material had been processed by the facility over the past six months.

But she said the current spike was nothing out of the ordinary for this time of the year.

“The award-winning facility is usually busiest in December and January, with some other peaks throughout the year that are most noticeable on public holiday long weekends and school holidays,” she said. 

“There was a significant increase in customers when the first COVID-19 lockdown occurred in late March and early April 2020, especially around Easter.

“That lasted a few weeks, but we have not seen similar spikes in visitor numbers apart from the usual Christmas/New Years spike.

“Residents are encouraged to make use of the council’s kerbside collection service for general waste, recycling and green waste.”

Cr Sommerfield said about 98 per cent of residents across the region lived within 20 minutes of a waste facility.

For a full list of waste management facilities, visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/waste.