Council has excess waste sorted

‘Tis the season of excess, waste included, which is why Lockyer Valley Regional Council is reminding residents they can dispose of a host of items free of charge at the region’s transfer stations.

Waste Portfolio Councillor Julie Reck said contrary to some beliefs, Council accepts a long list of waste for free.

“At this time of year, we understand bins can become full to the brim very quickly,” she said.

“If residents have additional waste they want to get rid of, we accept the following free of charge year-round at our transfer stations:

• One 240L wheelie bin of general waste per person/vehicle per day
• Up to an 8x5 trailer of uncontaminated green waste per day
• Up to a 6x4 trailer of uncontaminated concrete
• Fireweed (bagged and securely tied in a sturdy plastic bag)
• Unlimited (unless otherwise specified) separated and uncontaminated recyclable items:
  • Cardboard
  • Glass
  • Plastic
  • Paper
  • Metal
  • Aluminium
  • Steel
  • Vehicle batteries
  • Used motor oil (up to 20L)
  • T-tape (Gatton only)
  • DrumMuster eligible containers (up to 20 per person)
  • eWaste (tvs, computers, laptops, electrical appliances)
  • Mobile Phones (MobileMuster)
  • Used vapes/e-cigarettes.

“To be eligible for free disposal, waste must be separated and disposed of at the required drop off points of the transfer station, and it does not apply to people or businesses conducting clean-up services.”

Cr Reck acknowledged some members of the community would like to see the implementation of waste vouchers.

“Providing free vouchers to dispose of bulky items such as old furniture isn’t cost-free to Council or the community,” she said.

“Someone has to pay for their disposal under State Government requirements, and this would result in all ratepayers having to pay a higher waste management fee on their rate notices each and every year, regardless of whether or not they used the vouchers.

“That’s why we encourage residents to re-use, recycle or re-home their unwanted goods and only dispose of them as a last resort.”

For more on Council’s waste management services, visit https://www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au/our-services/waste-management.