Kerbside recycling

New system this year

Cassowary Coast will have access to kerbside recycling for the first time with the start of a new service in 2024-25.

The move to separate recycling and mixed general waste in household collection will replace the current system where waste that should be recycled can end up in landfill.

Cassowary Coast Regional Council Mayor Teresa Millwood said the move was an important step in modernising waste collection in the area.

“The new system will replace council’s current ‘wet waste’ and ‘dry waste’ disposal with the aim of meeting regional, state and federal targets to reduce waste and increase recycling,” Ms Millwood said.

“These targets are part of Queensland’s broader efforts to improve waste management practices and reduce environmental impacts.”

Queensland’s Waste Management and Resource Recovery

Strategy is aiming for a 25 per cent reduction in household waste by 2050, and a 75 per cent recycling rate across all waste.

The timeline for the change is yet to be decided, with council’s contract for waste and recycling collection and transport out for tender.

Cassowary Coast’s Kathy Sheahan said the change was a long time coming.

“So overdue in this area,” Ms Sheahan wrote on Facebook. “Looking forward to it!” Once the contract has been awarded, council will launch a community education effort to make sure residents are ready to “recycle right” when the new system is implemented.

In the meantime, council said residents should take advantage of the Queensland Container Refund Scheme at depots in Innisfail and Tully.

Information about the kerbside program will be released in the lead-up to the new collection service.