Residents reminded all efforts to minimise waste benefits our region

Gladstone Regional Council is reminding residents to make a conscious effort to minimise waste
with the Queensland Government levy on waste taking effect from next Monday (1 July).

The levy is part of a new waste strategy for Queensland creating a future where waste is avoided, reused and recycled to the greatest possible extent.

Queensland is a major underperformer in recycling and resource recovery with more than half of the state’s waste ending up in landfill.

Gladstone Region Acting Mayor Chris Trevor said the levy would encourage business and industry to reduce, reuse and recycle more, only sending waste that cannot be recovered to landfill.

“Introduction of a waste levy will mean Gladstone Regional Council will pay the Queensland Government based on the amount of general waste disposed of to landfill,” Councillor Trevor said.

The levy will not affect the cost of residents using their kerbside wheelie bins. The Queensland Government is paying advanced payments to local Councils to cover the cost of the levy on household waste going to landfill.

Waste disposal costs will however be passed on to commercial operators who dispose of waste at Council’s waste facilities. “Businesses are encouraged to look at how they can reduce waste, separate waste streams and recycle more to help reduce waste disposal costs,” Cr Trevor said.

“Collectively as a region, the waste habits of all residents can help make a difference, with every waste minimisation action, big or small, making a difference. “With the onset of the Queensland waste levy, it is timely for Council to encourage all Gladstone Region residents to take up the challenge of reducing household waste and recycling more.”

Cr Trevor said to reduce waste, residents could consider what and how much food they buy; place greater focus on meal planning, preparation and storage; compost food scraps and garden waste; and ensure items are reused or recycled.

“Residents who make a conscious effort to minimise household waste often notice results quite quickly when they see only a small amount of waste in their wheelie bins,” he said.

“The amount contributed to landfill can be reduced by diverting items from the general waste stream.”

Find out more about the Queensland waste levy at www.qld.gov.au/waste-disposal-levy

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