A new plan has been released to help Queensland reduce rubbish and increase recycling across the state. The strategy, called Less Landfill, More Recycling, aims to cut the amount of waste going to landfill and improve recycling systems in homes, businesses, and local councils.
Waste sent to landfill has been rising for years, reaching nearly two million tonnes today. Recycling rates have fallen during the same period. The trend has put pressure on local councils and limited land available for housing in fast-growing areas.
The plan includes a $130 million Resource Recovery Boost fund to help councils build new waste infrastructure. The goal is to move more materials from general waste bins into recycling and green waste bins. Councils will be able to apply for grants to support local projects that reduce landfill use and improve recycling capacity.
The state will also review its waste levy to make sure it supports these goals. The review will look at how the levy affects local governments, cross-border waste movements, and the treatment of different waste types.
The 10-cent refund under the Containers for Change program will remain the same. The focus will instead be on improving how waste is collected and processed to divert more from landfill.
Industry leaders have welcomed the plan. They say it provides an opportunity to create new jobs, attract investment, and keep valuable materials in use for longer. They believe the waste and recycling sector can play a key role in building a more sustainable economy for Queensland.
Public consultation on the draft plan is open for eight weeks. Feedback will help shape the final Queensland Waste Strategy.