Category Archives: Waste and recycling

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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A Smart New Future for Redlands Coast


October 17, 2019

Redlands Coast businesses and residents have a chance to shape the future of the city with the launch of Redland City Council’s public engagement on the Redlands Coast Smart and Connected City Strategy.

Mayor Karen Williams said with technology and data rapidly changing the way governments delivered vital services, Council was developing a Smart and Connected City Strategy that would put Redlands Coast at the forefront of intelligence, productivity and sustainability.

“The Smart and Connected City Strategy will help make Redlands Coast more liveable, more efficient and a more vibrant place to live, do business and enjoy life,” she said.

“We already know Redlands Coast is the best city in the best state in the best country but we are determined to make it even better.

“By embracing technology and using readily available data more effectively we can transform the way we deliver services and strengthen our position as the jewel in the south-east Queensland crown.”

Cr Williams said the Redlands Coast Smart and Connected City Strategy would explore how to embrace the digital revolution and would look at how Council could better use data to deliver more and improved services.

“The strategy will seek new ideas on how we can collaborate with innovators, investors, researchers and local businesses to grow the digital economy and build its innovation capacity,” she said.

“We want to hear from business and the community on how we can use innovations like wireless networks, the Internet of Things, real time information, crowd-sourced solutions and new mobile apps to improve the way we do things for local residents and businesses.

“By taking part in our Smart and Connected City community engagement, everyone can have a say in the Redlands Coast of the future.”

For more information and to have your say on the Redlands Coast Smart and Connected City Strategy and help shape the future of our city visit redland.qld.gov.au/SmartConnectedCityStrategy

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Spring ‘green’ your garden and save on a green waste bin


September 5, 2019

Mainland Redlands Coast residents will have an extra incentive to snap up a household green waste bin this spring with Council waiving the usual $30 bin establishment fee from 6 September to 31 October 2019.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said spring was the perfect time to remind keen gardeners that their garden waste could easily be diverted from landfill by ordering a green waste bin and using Council’s fortnightly kerbside collection service*.

“We are always looking for ways to reduce the amount of waste being sent to landfill and the single biggest thing our mainland residents can do to help is order and use a green waste bin, if they don’t already have one,” Cr Williams said.

“Audits of waste from kerbside collections show that almost a third of what goes into general waste wheelie bins is actually green waste from householders’ gardens.

“Last financial year almost 2,400 Redlands Coast households signed up for a green waste bin, bringing the total number of households with a bin to 13,874.

“I thank all those residents, whose green waste is now being diverted from landfill and sent by Council for composting into soil and landscaping products; and I encourage those without a green waste bin to order one online during our promotional period.

“The $30 bin establishment fee will be completely waived, and the ongoing cost of the bin equates to just $1.20 a week on your rates.

“As well as cost savings, residents will save time and effort previously spent taking green waste to one of our waste transfer stations.

“Just a reminder that all Council transfer stations are also free for non-commercial users, so now is the perfect time to undertake a spring clean and also tidy up properties ahead of the summer fire season.”

Promotion details:

 Limited time deal for mainland residents: 6 September – 31 October 2019

Mainland household green waste bins ordered during this period will not incur the usual bin establishment fee, saving $30.

Order online from 6 September 2019.

More information: 3829 8999

 * The household green waste collection service is available to mainland residents only.

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Redlands Coast Garage Sale Trail launch


August 23, 2019

Redlands Coast households, schools and community groups are set to join more than 400,000 people across the country on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 October as a part of Australia’s ninth annual Garage Sale Trail.

A multi award-winning community and sustainability event, Garage Sale Trail is powered by more than 140 local councils nation-wide.

This year’s weekend-long event is expected to involve more Australians than ever before –people who will ‘choose to reuse’ at more than 16,000 garage sale events to be held across the country.

Mayor Karen Williams said that Garage Sale Trail was a fun and social way for Redland City Council to encourage the reuse of goods and help educate the community about the positive impact we can all make when we buy secondhand items.

“The philosophy underpinning Garage Sale Trail – that of sustainable living – is a priority for Council as we partner with Redlands Coast residents and businesses to divert reusable resources from landfill,” Cr Williams said.

“As a society, we need to learn to take responsibility for the waste we create and recognise the value of resources and reusable materials.

“Council will be getting involved with our libraries and RecycleWorld holding their own garage sales.

“Garage Sale Trail provides a way to meet your neighbours and connect with the broader community while also decluttering and raising money for yourself, your school or charity.

“Last year’s national results showed the average household made over $300, community groups raised an average of $650 and schools made $1500.

“We’re really pleased to be involved in this grass roots national event again and encourage all Redlands Coast residents to consider hosting a sale.

“There’s plenty of time to get organised, register your sale and list your goods before the big weekend in October.

“Those already planning a garage sale may wish to reschedule to take advantage of the free promotion that comes with Garage Sale Trail.

“Sellers will be able to access to online resources including their own webpage, social media tiles as well as digital posters and flyers once they register.”

Garage Sale Trail co-founder Ander Valder said that he expected more than two million items to be listed for sale and reuse nationally.

“The sellers who have a bit of fun with their garage sale name and go to town on marketing are the ones who bring home the bacon and sell the most,” Mr Valder said.

Redlands Coast Garage Sale Tail
What: Australia’s biggest community and sustainability event, Garage Sale Trail
When: Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 October 2019
Where: All over Redlands Coast – visit garagesaletrail.com.au/RedlandsCoast before the weekend to map your trail.
Cost: Free to host a sale and shop the trail.
Registration: Now open! Register your garage sale at garagesaletrail.com.au/RedlandsCoast

Host a garage sale or shop the trail at garagesaletrail.com.au/RedlandsCoast

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Councils unite to seek new options for waste and recycling solutions


June 21, 2019

A combined effort by five South-East Queensland councils to find feasible and progressive methods of resource recovery and waste disposal has taken a significant step forward.

Mayor Karen Williams said Redland City Council – in collaboration with Ipswich City Council, Logan City Council, Lockyer Valley Regional Council and Somerset Regional Council – was seeking expressions of interest (EOI) for the delivery of resource recovery and waste disposal services.

“The EOI opened recently and already there has been some promising interest, so we are hoping to see innovative solutions from waste industry operators,” Cr Williams said.

“We expect some of these solutions will have been made feasible by combining the collective waste volumes of all five councils.

“Waste collection is a significant cost for councils, so it is hoped this collaboration will find efficiencies that ultimately benefit our residents and the environment by maximising diversion of waste from landfill.”

Cr Williams said Redland City Council had being pursuing regional collaboration for a number of years as it offers economies of scale and financial benefits to Redlands Coast ratepayers.

“There are some significant challenges ahead to meet the ambitious resource recovery and landfill avoidance targets in the draft Queensland Waste Management and Resource Recovery Strategy,” she said.

“By collaborating in this way it is hoped that industry can help shape the forward direction for the Redlands Coast community.”

For further information or to lodge an expression of interest, see the LG Tender box advertisement issued by Logan City Council on behalf of the Sub-Regional Alliance.

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Easter public holiday closures 2019


April 18, 2019

Council offices, customer service centres and libraries

Redland City Council offices, customer service centres and libraries will be closed from Friday 19 April (Good Friday) through to Monday 22 April (Easter Monday), returning to regular operating hours on Tuesday 23 April 2019.

ANZAC Day: Closed Thursday 25 April 2019. Reopening Friday 26 April 2019

During this time after hours return chutes will be closed. No items will be due during this time.

Redland IndigiScapes Centre & Nursery

Redland IndigiScapes Centre is currently closed for renovations.
The Nursery will be closed on Good Friday 19 April 2019.

ANZAC Day: IndigiScapes Gardens & Nursery will be open at 12pm (noon).

Bin collections

All bin collections will continue as usual throughout this period. Please note that there will be no bin deliveries or exchanges on public holidays. Please report any missed services on 3829 8999.

Waste transfer stations

All mainland and island waste transfer stations will be closed on Good Friday 19 April 2019. Residents should check the website for all other opening times.

RecycleWorld Redland Bay

RecycleWorld Redland Bay will be closed Easter Saturday. Reopening on Tuesday 23 April 2019.

Redland Animal Shelter

The Redland Animal Shelter will operate as per regular operating hours.

Redland Performing Arts Centre

The RPAC Box Office will be closed for Easter from 4pm on Thursday 18 April 2019 and re-open on Tuesday 23 April 2019. During this time tickets can be purchased online via www.rpac.com.au

Redland Art Gallery Cleveland

Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland will be closed from Monday 15 April – Friday 3 May 2019 for exhibition changeover and maintenance. Repoening Sunday 5 May 2019 at 9am.

Redland Art Gallery Capalaba

Redland Art Gallery, Capalaba is closed Monday 22 April 2019 and Thursday 25 April 2019.

Out of hours emergencies

For council-related emergencies, please phone 3829 8999.

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Redlands Coast joins neighbouring councils to explore new waste management options


February 18, 2019

Redland City Council has joined four other south-east Queensland councils in seeking regulatory approval to explore options for future waste management services.

Redland City Council, along with Ipswich City Council, Logan City Council, Lockyer Valley Regional Council and Somerset Regional Council, has applied to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) for authorisation to invite expressions of interest (EOI) in the provision of future waste disposal and/or resource recovery services.

Proposals would be invited for a regional solution, or for solutions which will suit one or more council areas. The proposals could range from small scale through to large scale integrated regional solutions and can be focused on one or more of available waste streams offered by the councils.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said she supported a regional approach to meet the challenges of the changing waste sector and to move to a more sustainable circular economy.

“My role as Deputy Chair of the Council of Mayors (SEQ) Waste Working Group has highlighted to me the potential benefits of such collaboration for Redlands Coast, especially since the 2011 closure of our last local disposal site at Birkdale,” Cr Williams said.

“Redland City Council has been actively exploring regional collaboration opportunities since 2010 and has a waste disposal agreement with Brisbane City Council until June 2020.

“With a good recycling rate for municipal solid waste, Redlands Coast residents have been increasingly embracing optional household green waste bins and upsizing to larger recycling bins.

“However, there is always room for improvement and the time is right for Redland City Council to embrace regional waste and resource recovery opportunities that may not be viable to consider alone.

“Like our neighbouring councils, we need ongoing engagement with a range of industry players to identify innovation and proposals to keep valuable resources out of landfill.

All documentation relating to the joint application will be made public and published on the ACCC’s Authorisations Register.

It is expected the EOI will be advertised by the end of March.

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Waste bin collection services impacted for Russell Island residents


January 15, 2019

Waste bin collection services will be impacted today due to a vehicle barge breakdown. It is expected that 150 properties will be missed, however JJ Richards is working hard to collect waste from as many bins as the vehicles can legally carry.

Follow Council’s Facebook and Twitter pages to keep updated of the catch-up bin collection date and time. The Russell Island waste transfer station will be open for extended hours today from 8am-4pm.

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