Brisbane

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Waste Management

How Brisbane manages waste collection, recycling programs, and disposal services for residents.

Sections

1. Overview of Brisbane's Waste Management System

Brisbane City Council (BCC) manages waste collection and disposal services for residents and businesses. The system is designed to reduce landfill waste, encourage recycling, and promote sustainable practices. Waste is categorized into general waste, recycling, green waste, e-waste, and hazardous waste.

2. Waste Disposal System

Brisbane uses a three-bin system for residential properties:

  • General Waste Bin (Red or Dark Green Lid): For non-recyclable household waste.
  • Recycling Bin (Yellow Lid): For recyclable materials such as paper, cardboard, glass, plastics, and metals.
  • Green Waste Bin (Optional, Lime Green Lid): For garden waste like grass clippings, leaves, and small branches.

Bin Sizes

  • General waste and recycling bins are typically 240L, but smaller or larger bins may be available upon request.
  • Green waste bins are optional and can be ordered for an additional fee.

3. Recycling Practices

Brisbane City Council encourages residents to recycle correctly. Items accepted in the yellow-lid recycling bin include:

  • Paper and cardboard (flattened)
  • Glass bottles and jars (rinsed)
  • Plastic containers and bottles (rinsed, with lids removed)
  • Aluminum and steel cans
  • Milk and juice cartons

Items NOT accepted in recycling bins:

  • Plastic bags and soft plastics
  • Food waste
  • Polystyrene/Styrofoam
  • Ceramics or broken glass
  • Hazardous materials

For soft plastics, you can use REDcycle drop-off points at participating supermarkets (e.g., Coles and Woolworths).

4. Collection Schedules

  • General Waste: Weekly collection.
  • Recycling: Fortnightly collection.
  • Green Waste: Fortnightly collection (if subscribed).

You can check your specific collection days using the Brisbane City Council's Bin Collection Calendar on their website or via the Brisbane City Council app.

5. Costs and Council Fees

  • General Waste and Recycling Bins: These are included in your rates (property taxes) for residential properties.
  • Green Waste Bin: Costs approximately $23.60 per quarter (as of 2023). This is an optional service.
  • Additional Bins: You can request extra bins for an additional fee.

6. E-Waste Disposal

E-waste (electronic waste) includes items like old computers, TVs, mobile phones, and other electronic devices. These items should not be placed in general waste or recycling bins.

Disposal Options:

  • Council Resource Recovery Centres: Brisbane has four centers where residents can drop off e-waste for free.
    • Locations:
      • Chandler Resource Recovery Centre
      • Ferny Grove Resource Recovery Centre
      • Nudgee Resource Recovery Centre
      • Willawong Resource Recovery Centre
  • Retailer Take-Back Programs: Some retailers (e.g., Officeworks, JB Hi-Fi) accept e-waste for recycling.

7. Hazardous Waste Disposal

Hazardous waste includes items like chemicals, batteries, paint, and gas cylinders. These should never be placed in bins.

Disposal Options:

  • Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Days: Brisbane City Council organizes free drop-off events for hazardous waste. Check the council's website for upcoming dates.
  • Resource Recovery Centres: Some hazardous items, like batteries and gas cylinders, can be dropped off at council facilities.

8. Local Waste Drop-Off Sites

Brisbane has several Resource Recovery Centres where residents can drop off various types of waste, including general waste, recyclables, green waste, e-waste, and some hazardous items.

Locations:

  1. Chandler Resource Recovery Centre
    • Address: 728 Tilley Road, Chandler
  2. Ferny Grove Resource Recovery Centre
    • Address: 101 Upper Kedron Road, Ferny Grove
  3. Nudgee Resource Recovery Centre
    • Address: 1402 Nudgee Road, Nudgee Beach
  4. Willawong Resource Recovery Centre
    • Address: 360 Sherbrooke Road, Willawong

Fees: General waste drop-offs may incur a fee depending on the type and volume of waste. Recyclables and e-waste are usually accepted for free.

9. Additional Tips and Considerations

  • Bulk Waste Collection: Brisbane City Council offers an annual kerbside collection service for large household items like furniture, mattresses, and white goods. Check the council's website for your suburb's collection schedule.
  • Composting and Food Waste: Consider composting food scraps at home to reduce waste. Brisbane City Council offers free composting and worm farming workshops.
  • Illegal Dumping: Dumping waste in unauthorized areas is illegal and can result in fines. Use council services or authorized facilities for disposal.
  • Apps and Tools: Download the Brisbane City Council app to access bin collection schedules, recycling tips, and waste facility locations.

10. Contact Information

For further assistance or inquiries:

By following these guidelines, you can effectively manage your waste in Brisbane while contributing to the cityโ€™s sustainability goals. Let me know if you need further clarification or assistance!