Queenslanders urged to think about waste management this Christmas

Now is the perfect time to get recycling and think about smart ways to dispose of waste.

Minister for Environment Leeanne Enoch said a lot of waste is generated around Christmas and now was the perfect time to get recycling.

“It’s up to us to decide whether we want to go on the naughty or nice list when it comes to waste management,” Ms Enoch said.

“Queensland has one of the worst recycling rates in Australia. Currently, Queenslanders send about 55% of waste to landfill every year – this equates to more than 5 million tonnes of waste.

“There is definitely room for improvement, and this is why the Palaszczuk Government is developing a new waste management strategy for Queensland, to increase investment in recycling and waste recovery initiatives.

“But improving how we manage waste is something we all need to be a part of.

“As people start cleaning-up after Christmas, I encourage everyone to start thinking differently about how they can find a better use for used Christmas wrapping paper, food scraps and packaging from gifts.

“For example, Christmas wrapping paper can be kept and used again next year, or used for holiday arts and craft activities.

“These holidays may also be the opportune time to start a compost bin for food scraps.

“And don’t forget, soft plastic can also be recycled. This includes bread packets, biscuit packets, pasta bags, lolly and chip packets – all you have to do is take them to REDcycle bins at supermarkets.

“This ensures this plastic is recycled instead of going to landfill, where plastic can take hundreds of years to break down.”

Ms Enoch said Queenslanders should also take advantage of their local council’s kerbside recycling, or community drop-off collection systems.

“Queensland’s Containers for Change initiative is also ensuring people can get a 10 cent refund for recycling their bottles and cans.

“Queenslanders can get the refund, or they can donate it to a charity or community group.”

“There are also websites like Planet Ark that provide details on where people can recycle items like computers, phones, paint, and white goods.”

Ms Enoch said every recycling action, big or small, was creating real change for the environment.

“This Christmas, help turn the tide on waste in Queensland by starting a new tradition of better recycling,” she said.

Boomerang Alliance Queensland Manager Toby Hutcheon said it was important to reuse and recycle.

“This Christmas please avoid buying and using disposable plastics like straws, cups and plates,” he said.

“Choose compostable products like paper straws or wooden cutlery or palm frond plates.”

Ms Enoch said every recycling action, big or small, was creating real change for the environment.

“This Christmas, help turn the tide on waste in Queensland by starting a new tradition of better recycling,” she said.

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