Waste report card shows sound achievement
Scenic Rim Regional Council has continued to meet the targets of its Waste Management and Resource Recovery Strategy 2021-2026, as outlined in a report card tabled at yesterday’s Ordinary Meeting.
Council’s strategy aims to drive a fundamental shift in the region’s waste management by reducing the impact of waste on the environment through the transition to a circular waste economy and by building on economic opportunities to create value for the community.
Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said the second-year report card examined the region’s current waste and recycling habits and highlighted Council’s commitment to the Queensland Government’s 2050 target of reducing by 25 per cent the amount of waste disposed of in landfill.
“As a Council, our priority is preserving and enhancing the region’s unique natural environment and rural landscapes,” said Mayor Christensen, who chairs the Council of Mayors South East Queensland Waste Working Group.
“The development of this strategy is just one of the ways we are doing this and supporting the Scenic Rim’s transition to a zero-waste society.”
The report card revealed that, during the 2022-2023 financial year, 23,980 tonnes of waste found its way to landfill and that 2,453 tonnes of co-mingled items were recycled.
Other resources recycled included 4,684 tonnes of mulch, 2,287 tonnes of scrap metal (including white goods), 1,757 tonnes of cardboard, 95 tonnes of e-waste, 81 tonnes of tyres, 61 tonnes of waste oil, and 45 tonnes of batteries.
“The commitment of Scenic Rim residents to reducing waste is evident from the results of our recent Garage Sale Trail, with our region registering 2,721 participants who reused 25 tonnes of materials worth a total of more than $40,000,” Mayor Christensen said.
“Community-based waste collection and education campaigns such as the Garage Sale Trail will continue to be a major focus for Council, with initiatives such as the Bin Health Check program rolled out this year.”
Mayor Christensen said that Council’s Waste Services team would also continue to have a presence at key community and Council-supported events such as the Cuppa in the Communi-Tea.
“We have seen a clear shift in our residents’ perceptions, with people now viewing waste as a potential resource and realising that, together, we can make a difference,” he said.
The Year 2 Report Card can be accessed below.