South Burnett Council recycling bins stir debate on Facebook

Reaction to the introduction of yellow recycling bins across the South Burnett - and the cost ratepayers will incur - has been varied.

Phoebe Bruce said concerns about the cost of rolling out kerbisde recycling bins in the South Burnett were selfish.

Kerbside recycling collection is coming to the South Burnett.

The South Burnett Regional Council announced the introduction of kerbside collection recycling bins in October 2022, to be delivered from late November until mid-December 2022, and collected every fortnight.

The collection of recyclables will incur a cost of $67a year from ratepayers.

Until now, South Burnett residents have disposed of recycling at one of several recycling centres for free.

A council spokeswoman said the kerbside collection put the council in line with the Queensland government’s strategy to reduce waste.

Mayor Brett Otto described it as a major step for the region.

“There will be a period of adjustment to the new system while everyone gets used to it,” Mr Otto said.

South Burnett Regional Council is introducing the kerbside collection to follow the Queensland government strategy to reduce waste.

Residents have taken to social media sharing mixed reactions to the announcement.

Kingaroy resident Lytisha Inions said she already took her recycling where it should go.

“Years ago they asked us if we wanted this service, I shouldn’t have to pay for something I don’t want,” she said.

South Burnett mechanic Warren Atkinson described the move as a waste of money.

“I can see more rubbish being dumped on the side of road,” he said.

Kingaroy social worker Phoebe Bruce said the concern about spending the extra money were selfish.

Phoebe Bruce said she finds the concern with spending the extra money to be quite selfish.

“While recycling doesn’t solve the problem, it is a step towards creating a more sustainable community and encourages people to think about the waste they consume,” Ms Bruce said.

“Recycling forces us to have to slow down and take a bit more responsibility.

“People are so concerned about their money when it comes to rates increases to pay for their bins, but we all have a social responsibility to contribute to making our environment a better place,” she said.

The yellow bins will arrive with an information guide on what can and can’t go in the bin and all waste will be transported to the Cherbourg Material Recovery Facility centre for recycling.

Further updates will be provided to residents as bins are rolled out.

There are plans for council to introduce a recycling user friendly ‘waste app’.

Originally published as South Burnett Council recycling bins stir debate on Facebook