Issue 17 August 2017
Welcome to our August edition of On Tap
This month we shine the spotlight on our new-look RecycleWorld, Council’s recycling market at Redland Bay Waste Transfer Station.
We also take a look at two State Government schemes that will affect how we all use plastic bags and recycle containers in Queensland from July 2018.
RecycleWorld reinvented!
RecycleWorld recently reopened under new management and has undergone a significant makeover including a newly revised floor plan, sales point and shelving, offering improved safety and a customer focused experience.
If you haven’t already done so, we encourage you to take a trip to Redland Bay Waste Transfer Station located at 761 German Church Road, Redland Bay.
The new opening hours are Tuesdays and Saturdays between 10am and 2pm.
Linda Nation of Water and Waste Infrastructure took a visit to RecycleWorld to check out the second hand wares and have a chat to the staff Elaine and Kath…
What do you love most about working at RecycleWorld?
The variety of recovered items and the interaction with customers.
What’s the most unusual item you have sold?
The tent section of a camper trailer.
How do you determine the prices? Do you accept offers?
Prices are determined based on experience and comparison to other similar outlets. We have made the decision to not accept offers to allow the community to have access to recovered resources.
What are the busiest times?
It’s pretty hectic on Saturdays, when we have lots of people bargain-seeking. We just do our best to get through the customers and try to make sure everyone has fair access to the fantastic treasures we have on sale.
If I want to donate items, where do I go?
Items can be dropped off, during operating hours, to either the Birkdale Waste Transfer Station or Redland Bay Waste Transfer Station.
How long do you keep stock?
This has yet to be determined as this is a new operation for us and we are monitoring stock levels and sales. Once this is understood we will be able to make a better determination on how long we hold stock.
To preview of shop items, please see www.facebook.com/RecycleWorldRedlandBay.
RecycleWorld is located at Redland Bay Waste Transfer Station, 761 German Church Road, Redland Bay and is open on Tuesdays and Saturdays between 10am and 2pm.
You never know what you’ll find at RecycleWorld!
Iolar staff, Elaine and Kath, are ready at RecycleWorld to help you!
Say goodbye to the light-weight plastic bag!
As of 1 July 2018, Queensland Government is introducing two important schemes:
- a ban on single-use lightweight plastic shopping bags, and
- a container refund scheme
These two initiatives are just the first step in the overarching Plastic Pollution Reduction Plan which is being developed to reduce plastic waste entering into the environment.
In a recent media release by the Queensland Government, The Honourable Steven Miles stated that, “around 900 million single-use, lightweight plastic shopping bags are used each year and up to 16 million bags are thrown away, ending up in our waterways, beaches and parks”.
A discussion paper issued by the Queensland Government on plastic bags received more than 26,000 submissions, with an overwhelming 96 per cent of respondents supporting the ban.
These initiatives are part of a commitment to reduce “conspicuous plastic pollution” and protect the environment.
The light-weight plastic bag ban
The light-weight plastic bag ban will come into effect on 1 July 2018 and applies to all Queensland retailers. Penalties will be enforced for those who do not comply with the legislation.
Which bags will be banned?
- Light-weight plastic shopping bags less than 35 microns in thickness
Which bags will not?
- Barrier bags which are used to package perishable foods, including fruit, vegetables, bread, meat and fish
- Bin liners
- ‘Dog poo’ bags provided by councils at dog parks and beaches
- Reusable bags
- Plastic bags designed for reuse or multiple uses
- Paper bags
- Heavy weight single-use department store plastic bags. The government is currently working with retailers to reduce the use of these bags.
The Container Refund Scheme
Queensland’s container refund scheme will come into effect on 1 July 2018. It is designed to:
- Reduce the number of drink containers being thrown away
- Increase Queensland’s recycling rate
How does it work?
A series of permanent, temporary and mobile refund points will be set up across Queensland to accept your eligible drink containers. Each container will receive a 10c refund.
You can also opt to donate your containers to a community group, sports club or another organisation. Drop off points will be provided at various locations across the state.
What drink containers will be accepted?
- Eligible containers include most aluminium, glass, PET, HDPE, steel and liquid paperboard beverage containers between 150ml and 3L.
- Once the changeover period has passed, all eligible containers must be labeled so that you can clearly identify which ones can be returned for refund.
What drink containers will not be accepted?
- plain milk containers
- glass containers which have contained wine or pure spirits
- large containers (1L or more) that have contained flavoured milk, pure juice, cask wine or cask water
- cordial or vegetable juice containers
- sachets above 250ml that have contained wine
- registered health tonics
For more information, please see the full list of inclusions and exclusions.
More on plastic…
Turtles in Trouble https://vimeo.com/155920040
How to kick the plastic bag habit?
- Decline plastic bags
- Invest in some sturdy, reusable bags and keep them in your car. Stretchy string bags, for example, can carry many times their weight
- Keep a small reusable rollup bag in your handbag or briefcase
- Get into the habit of recycling your plastic bags. Recycling stations are provided at your local Coles and Woolworths
Communities achieving amazing results!
Community initiatives such as Boomerang Bags are helping educate others about sustainable alternatives to single use plastic bags. Boomerang Bags involve volunteers coming together to make reusable bags. The reusable bags are then distributed to friends, family, colleagues and bag-less strangers to replace their single use plastic bags.
Want to get involved? Check out the Boomerang Bags website for more information on how to set up your own Boomerang Bag group or search their interactive map to find a group close by.
There are even some operating in Redlands already!
Boomerang Bags https://open.abc.net.au/explore/96236
Remember…
Plastic breaks up, and doesn’t break down, meaning it is a source of permanent pollution. Even degradable plastic bags are not the solution as they break up into tiny pieces and can be consumed by wildlife.
