Category Archives: Waste and recycling

Council to remove establishment fee for green waste bins


July 1, 2020

Redland City Council is making it easier for mainland residents to help keep a lid on the amount of green waste that ends up in landfill, with the $30 establishment fee for household green waste bins to be removed from 1 July 2020.

Mayor Karen Williams said the move would save residents both time and money.

“From 1 July there will be no set up costs for green waste bins, and people who have one could spend less time taking this type of waste to our Redlands Coast’s recycling and waste centres,” she said.

“These lime green-lidded bins are collected every two weeks on the mainland, further helping residents protect their property from potential storm damage through regular garden clean ups.

“Council audits show almost one third of our general waste wheelie bin is green waste, which ends up in landfill; so the more households that have a green waste bin, the more that can be recycled into mulch and other landscaping products.

“We are always looking for ways to reduce the amount of waste being sent to landfill and this is a great incentive for mainland residents to play their part in a convenient way.”

Cr Williams said an annual fee of $64 for the green waste collection service would be applied on the rates bill for properties that had a green waste bin.

“This equates to $1.23 per week for this opt-in service,” she said.

“The fee covers the cost of collection, transport and composting of the green waste.

“More than 16,000 mainland households are taking advantage of Council’s green waste collection service, and we want to see a lot more take it up, especially with the cooler months being a great time for a garden clean up.”

Council’s household green waste bin collection service is available only to mainland residents at this time, with green waste bins collected on the alternate week to recycle bins.

For more information or to order a green waste bin, visit redland.qld.gov.au/greenwaste or contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on 3829 8999.

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Council venues reopening as COVID-19 restrictions ease


June 12, 2020

Redland Art Gallery (RAG), Cleveland and IndigiScapes are all set to reopen to the public on Monday 15 June, with RecycleWorld following the next day.

Mayor Karen Williams said she was delighted that more Council venues would soon be ready to receive visitors in line with Stage 2 of the Queensland Government’s Roadmap to Easing COVID-19 Restrictions.

“While some of our Council venues were able to quickly reopen after the Stage 2 easing of restrictions was brought forward, others are still gearing up to reopen to our community as safely as possible,” Cr Williams said.

“We welcomed the State Government’s decision to bring forward Stage 2, but the lack of notice has meant some slight delays.”

Councillor Williams said art gallery visitors were in for a treat with a revised program of exhibitions being released for the rest of this calendar year.

“Two new exhibitions will run in the Cleveland Gallery from 15 June until 2 August,” she said.

“Redland Art Awards: Works acquired 2006-2018 will highlight 14 wonderful artworks held in the RAG Collections acquired from the gallery’s prestigious biennial contemporary painting competition.

“Breathing Space is a selection of RAG Collection works that encourage us to stop, relax and reconnect with Redlands Coast on Quandamooka Country.”

Image: Julie Reeves, Dark garden 4 2007, oil on canvas. Redland Art Gallery Collection. Donated through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program by Julie Reeves, 2012. Courtesy of the artist. Photography by Carl Warner.

Council venues – reopening dates and conditions

Redland Art Gallery (RAG), Cleveland will reopen on Monday 15 June with two exhibitions:
• Redland Art Awards: Works acquired 2006-2018
• Breathing Space: Taking time out with the RAG Collection

Conditions in place:
• As a maximum of 20 people is currently permitted, gallery employees will regulate visitor entry.
• There will be no public seating available.
• You can now view exhibitions at the Cleveland gallery in person, with children’s art and craft still activities available online at http://artgallery.redland.qld.gov.au

Redlands IndigiScapes Centre will reopen on Monday 15 June.

The Discovery Centre, gift shop, nursery and café will all reopen, with the flow of visitors being regulated to ensure compliance with social distancing rules.

• Centre opening (including gift shop) hours: 10am – 4pm daily
• Nursery opening hours: 10am – 3pm weekdays
• Café opening hours: three set seating times with modified menu for dining in (bookings essential, limited take-away options will be available):

  • Morning tea: 10am –11.30am
  • Lunch:  12pm -1.30pm
  • Afternoon tea: 2pm – 3pm

Discovery Centre opening hours: three sessions daily, aligned with café seating times.

Phone 3824 8611 for café bookings.

RecycleWorld at Redland Bay Recycle and Waste Centre will reopen on Tuesday 16 June.

Opening hours: Tuesdays and Fridays (instead of Saturdays), 10am – 2pm
• 10am – 12 noon: pedestrian entry only through the loading bay gate. Purchases (other than large items) will need to be carried out by customers via the pedestrian footpath.
• 12 noon – 2pm: vehicle pick up of large items from the loading bay.

Conditions in place:
• Entry will be regulated due to current gathering rules. Visitors can expect queues on entry and payment.
• If the carpark is full, customers may be asked to return later.
• Payment via EFT only.
• Footwear must be worn (this is an existing safety measure).
For full list of conditions: https://www.redland.qld.gov.au/info/20189/waste_transfer_stations/334/recycleworld

All Council venues

• Council venues being reopened will provide safe and welcoming spaces for the Redlands Coast community and visitors.
• Cleaning will be increased, sanitiser will be available and social distancing measures will be in place.
• Conditions at all venues will be reviewed again when Queensland reaches Stage 3 in the easing of restrictions roadmap.

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Incorrect hazardous waste disposal suspected in collection truck fire


June 8, 2020

Council and waste contractor JJ’s Waste and Recycling have called for responsible hazardous waste disposal after a ‘hot load’ fire started in the metal body of a recyclable waste collection truck.

The fire in a Council contracted recycling collection truck at Thorneside last week has raised concerns about incorrect household waste disposal.

Mayor Karen Williams said Council is asking residents to ensure they don’t put dangerous contaminants or flammable material in their kerbside bins.

“Luckily last week’s fire was contained and damage to the truck, valued at nearly $500,000, was limited thanks to the quick evasive actions of the driver.

“These incidents pose a risk to our drivers, residents and firefighters as well as causing damage to the vehicle, clean-up costs, impact on collection services and potential environmental hazards.

“Investigations into the fire are continuing, but the most common cause of “hot load” fires is batteries and chemicals, and as the weather cools – hot coals from a fire.

“On average we would see one or two “hot loads” a year, however, this year alone there have already been four incidents.

“Contamination in bins is a serious matter and under no circumstances should dangerous items be placed in any Council or kerbside bins,” Cr Karen Williams said.

“Any material marked as toxic, hazardous, flammable or requiring caution should not be disposed of in kerbside bins.

“This includes flares, batteries, chemicals, gas bottles, butane cans, oil, full aerosol cans, flammable liquids or materials.

“Under no circumstances should fire embers or lit cigarette butts be placed in waste collections.

There are several ways to dispose of dangerous and flammable materials through either Council or other services.

“Council’s permanent drop off facility at the Redland Bay Recycling and Waste Centre accepts a range of hazardous items except for flares and household batteries.

Flares can be disposed of at three locations in the Redlands provided by the Queensland government, and household battery collection bins are available at Aldi stores.

If you need to dispose of a dangerous item and are unsure what to do with it, please contact Council on 3829 8999 or visit the detailed waste information pages on Council’s website www.redland.qld.gov.au/waste

 

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Redland City seeks State freeze on charges


June 3, 2020

Redland City Council has urged the State Government to freeze its charges to Council for bulk water and business waste so the savings can be passed on to the local community.

Mayor Karen Williams said maintaining the charges at 2019-20 levels would help to ease the burden on residents and businesses as Council managed the city’s emergence from the impacts of COVID-19.

“It would allow Council to deliver this month’s recovery budget based on the lowest and most accurate water and waste costs; supporting us in our efforts to reboot the local economy and provide the services residents tell us they want while helping those adversely impacted by COVID-19,” Cr Williams said.

“A freeze on charges outside of our control – such as what the State charges Council for commercial waste going to landfill and especially for bulk water, considering the hefty increases imposed over the past several years – would significantly assist us to do that.

“Bulk water costs and the commercial waste levy are passed on to users and the saving from a freeze would be significant. For bulk water alone, the published price for 1 July 2020 suggests it would be around $36 a year for average users.

“These cost increases have a budget impact and Council wants to ensure that every cent at our disposal is available for supporting the community by bringing forward the infrastructure projects that will help support the local economy and local jobs.”

She said Council’s 2020-21 budget was due to be delivered on Thursday 25 June despite the State Budget being postponed.

“We fully appreciate the State Government’s need to suspend its budget because it is simply not sensible to produce economic forecasts in these unprecedented times but Council, as the direct provider of essential community services, must push ahead with its budget and get Redlands Coast moving again,” Cr Williams said.

Cr Williams said Council was also seeking vital infrastructure commitments from the State Government under its Works for Queensland program and the Federal Government under its Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program and Financial Assistance Grants.

“We already have 64 projects worth $82.9 million that are shovel-ready and which, if funded, will support jobs growth and deliver improvements for our community,” Cr Williams said.

“These include community disaster resilience and infrastructure improvements worth
$10.4 million for North Stradbroke Island and $8.6 million for the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, communities which have been particularly hard hit.

“It also includes millions of dollars’ worth of upgrades to the Redlands Coast transport network, including 6.2km of footpaths, 26km of resurfacing mainland roads and 3.7km of green seal for the Southern Moreton Bay Islands in the next financial year alone to help residents and visitors move around the city faster and safer.

“These job packages, along with a freeze on charges outside of Council’s control, can provide immediate relief and create a positive ripple effect across the community.

“We are, indeed, all in this together and I look forward to the State and Federal governments’ support for our plans.”

For details of Council’s recovery plans and assistance, go to the COVID-19 Business and Community page at redland.qld.gov.au

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Don’t waste our naturally wonderful parks and foreshores


May 15, 2020

Redland City Council is urging residents and visitors to help keep Redlands Coast naturally wonderful at this time when bulky takeaway food containers and disposable coffee cups are more popular than ever… even in our bins!

There has been a significant influx of people enjoying our parks and foreshores – and combined with an increase in takeaway, rather than eat-in dining – there is additional demand on our bins from these bulky takeaway items.

While Council has increased bin collections at our mainland parks and foreshores, including two daily collections on weekends, and is planning on additional collections on week days from next week, you can help by:

  • Crushing and compacting food containers and coffee cups before putting them in public place bin
  • If the bins are full or none are available, take your waste home to either be recycled or placed in your household bin.
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Call for patience at waste transfer stations


April 6, 2020

Redlands Coast residents have been urged to be patient when using local waste transfer stations and reconsider whether they need to make the trip following the introduction of measures to help slow the spread of coronavirus.

Chair of the Local Disaster Management Group Karen Williams said the temporary rules had been implemented to help keep everyone who used the waste transfer stations safe by ensuring social distancing requirements.

“First and foremost, residents should observe the Federal Government’s advice and avoid non-essential travel,” Cr Williams said.  

“We have kept our waste transfer stations open to residents on a restricted basis as we understand there will still be a need at this time but, please, do not go unless it is absolutely necessary – and, if you do need to make a trip, allow plenty of time and respect other users and staff.

“Our safety measures mean the average tip run will take longer than usual, so please be patient as these restrictions are there to protect you and your families. We are all in this together and need to show kindness to each other.”

Redland City Council CEO Andrew Chesterman said Council’s bin collections were unaffected.

“So before considering a trip to a waste transfer station, make full use of your home bins, sign up for Council’s green bin and consider composting,” Mr Chesterman said.

“Consider whether to delay waste-generating projects, set-up a separate recycling station in your home to keep the right things inside the yellow-lid bin – only paper, cardboard, aluminium, hard plastic and metal.

“The kids can also get creative and turn some waste items into fun home projects or get them involved in composting to make room in your red-lid waste bin. The bonus is free compost for your garden.

“If you are able, consider finding a place to store excess waste until later.”

You will find plenty of information about composting on Council website at redland.qld.gov.au/composting. There are also FAQs about waste management and information about local impacts of the coronavirus at redland.qld.gov.au.

Temporary measures in place at Council’s waste transfer stations include:

  • Vehicle restrictions on entry  to maintain social distancing.
  • Visitors and staff must keep a distance of 1.5 metres from all other people.
  • No more than two people are permitted per unloading area at any one time.
  • Payment via EFT or account only – no cash payments accepted.

Household kerbside collections of general waste, green waste and recycling will continue unaffected.

Tips for using waste transfer stations

  • Avoid the weekend – visit Monday to Friday or if you have to visit on the weekend, go early.
  • Full loads only.
  • Consider what is avoidable waste.

All waste transfer stations will be closed on Good Friday.

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Social distancing measures at waste transfer stations


April 1, 2020

Redland City Council has put measures in place at its waste transfer stations to help slow the spread of COVID-19 on Redlands Coast.

The new, temporary rules will help keep residents, employees and commercial users of the waste transfer stations safe and ensure that social distancing requirements can be met.

Council advises the average tip run may take longer than usual, and is asking that people remain patient, as the measures are there to protect everyone.

Temporary measures in place at Council’s waste transfer stations include:

  • Vehicle restrictions on entry  to maintain social distancing
  • Visitors and staff must keep a distance of 1.5 meters from all other people
  • No more than two people are permitted per unloading area at any one time
  • Payment via EFT or account only – no cash payments accepted.

Household kerbside collections of general waste, green waste and recycling will continue unaffected.

Residents should consider whether they could avoid visiting a waste transfer station at this time by fully utilising their household collection services and getting creative with waste.

Some ideas include:

  • Consider what waste you are generating and perhaps delay those projects.
  • Set-up a separate recycling station in your home to keep the right things inside the yellow-lid bin – only paper, cardboard, aluminium, hard plastic and metal.
  • Start composting food scraps to make room in your red-lid waste bin. The up-side is free compost for your garden.
  • Get creative and turn that ‘junk’ into your next up-cycle project. What you thought was rubbish could turn into a new hobby.
  • Find a place to store excess to delay your tip trip.

To stay informed about local impacts of the coronavirus, and a list of frequently asked questions, visit redland.qld.gov.au/COVID-19

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Electronic waste collection for island communities


January 21, 2020

North Stradbroke, Coochiemudlo and Southern Moreton Bay islands communities will benefit from an electronic waste collection in February.

Mayor Karen Williams said electronic waste was the fastest growing type of waste worldwide and most could be recycled.

“We all have a part to play in how we dispose of e-waste and conserve valuable resources,” she said.

“Australians generate about 53kg of e-waste per household every year and 80 per cent of that is sent to landfill.

“This special collection will give our island residents an opportunity to clear out old e-waste sitting around their homes.”

Cr Williams said electronic waste contained valuable resources, including rare minerals, steel, iron, copper, aluminium, recyclable plastic and glass.

“Recovering these resources reduces our need to extract raw material through mining,” she said.

“As a nation, we buy more than four million computers and three million televisions every year, so the issue is significant.

“I know island residents have been asking for this service and that’s why I am asking them to take unwanted e-waste to their local transfer stations for collection and recycling during the collection period.

“There is no charge to residents to drop off their e-waste and it will be collected by a licenced e-waste management contractor, dismantled and sorted into each recyclable material type in Brisbane for resale and further recycling.”

Collection details

Island residents can deliver their electronic waste to one of the island waste transfer stations listed below from Friday 7 to Wednesday 22 February, 2020 during normal opening hours.

Electronic waste includes:

  • Televisions (rear projection, plasma, LED, CRT, LCD)
  • Computer equipment, including laptop, notebook and desktop computers, and individual parts such as central processing units and motherboards; and peripheral items, including printers, scanners, fax machines, web cameras, hard and floppy drives, mouse and trackball, and keyboards
  • Kitchen and bathroom appliances that have circuit boards such as toasters, kettles, hairdryers and shavers

Large whitegoods, including refrigerators and washing machines, can be delivered to waste transfer stations as scrap metal at any time during the stations’ normal opening hours.

Island businesses can deliver household equivalent amounts of electronic waste at no charge for collection and are urged to contact Council on 3829 8999 (8am–5pm; Monday–Friday) for advice if they have larger amounts to dispose of.

Island waste transfer stations

Please note, Karragarra Island and Lamb Island residents can deliver electronic waste to a waste transfer station on either Russell Island or Macleay Island.  

Coochiemudlo Island: Elizabeth Street

Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 10am–12pm

Saturday and Sunday: 10am–2pm 

Macleay Island: Eastern Road

Monday–Friday: 8am–2pm

Saturday and Sunday 8am–4pm

Russell Island: Davidson Road

Monday–Friday: 8am–2pm

Saturday and Sunday: 8am–4pm 

North Stradbroke Island: East Coast Road

Monday–Friday: 8am–2pm

Saturday and Sunday: 7.30am–3pm

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Smart approach to Redlands Coast litter collection


January 13, 2020

Redland City Council is trialling a solar compacting litter bin in a new high-tech approach to litter disposal.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said it was hoped smart technology would lead to reduced litter disposal costs and an increase in collection efficiency.

The solar compacting bin, which automatically compresses its contents when needed then advises when it is full, is being trialled at Bloomfield Street Park, Cleveland.

“Solar compacting bins could potentially provide benefits in key locations through their capacity to store approximately double the volume of a standard 240 litre wheelie bin, reducing the frequency of collection and also the required number of bins,” Cr Williams said.

“This also reduces visual clutter in foreshore and public place areas.

“Council currently manages almost 500 public litter bins, with collection frequencies varying according to use.

“This technology has the potential for Council to move to an as-needed collection frequency in the future, saving time and ultimately money for our community.”

Cr Williams said Council was also looking at other ‘smart city’ solutions to managing rubbish collections in parks and public places across the city.

“We want Redlands Coast to be a smart city and so we are always looking for ways to improve services while minimising costs through investing in technology,” she said.

Mayor Karen Williams tries out the new solar compacting bin in Cleveland.

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Greener roads for Redlands Coast


October 23, 2019

Redland City Council is pioneering a process that turns plastic bottles and other waste into new, high-quality roads.

In a Queensland first, Council is working with leading recycler Alex Fraser and Suncoast Asphalt to resurface a 1km stretch of Princess Street, Cleveland, with Green Roads PolyPave, an innovative, high-performance asphalt product containing reclaimed plastics.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said that, in keeping with Council’s strong focus on sustainability, it was hoped the pilot project would lead to many more roads being built and resurfaced using reclaimed materials.

“Roads are big business for Council, so if we can find a better way to build and maintain them using sustainable materials while removing waste from landfill that would be a major coup,” Cr Williams said.

“This is very much part of Council’s vision for our naturally wonderful Redlands Coast, so we are excited to be at the forefront of greener road building and the environmental benefits that can bring.

“This project will see around 933 tonnes of reclaimed asphalt and about 90,000 hard plastics, such as the milk and shampoo bottles you place in your yellow-lid recycling bins, become part of Princess Street – the equivalent of about nine months of kerbside recycling collected from that street.

“I have been working with the Australian Local Government Association to investigate these sort of innovative solutions for years and I am pleased this work is delivering value for the community.”

Alex Fraser and Suncoast Asphalt general manager Brendan Camilleri said this was a prime example of how circular economy could be achieved with local government, industry and community working together to recycle waste and invest in recycled materials to build new, sustainable infrastructure.

“Redland City Council’s progressive approach to the use of sustainable material is paving the way for Queensland. This is an outstanding example of how local government can harness recycling to build and maintain their cities, and reduce their projects’ carbon footprint by up to 65 per cent,” Mr Camilleri said.

He said Green Roads PolyPave was also a more durable product which lasted longer than regular asphalt, bringing long-term costs benefits.

“When we incorporate recycled plastics into Green Roads PolyPave it becomes part of the DNA of the road, meaning there is no issue with micro-plastics entering the environment.

There is also an enormous carbon saving, with the process producing 43 per cent less CO2 emissions when compared with conventional asphalt,” he said.

“The addition of other recycled ingredients, such as reclaimed asphalt pavement, along with our energy-saving production methods further increases CO2 savings”.

The resurfacing, between Bloomfield and Passage streets, is due to be completed on November 8, weather willing.

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