Recycle to reduce Ekka waste

As the 2007 Brisbane Ekka kicks off Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr is asking people to be mindful of what they do with their rubbish.

Ms Nelson-Carr said with more than 500,000 people expecting to attend the Ekka, it was a good time to remind people of the importance of doing the right thing with their litter.

“An enormous amount of rubbish is likely to go into landfill but there are ways we can reduce this,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

“Over 50 percent of all litter is cigarette butts. Other commonly littered items include drink containers, chewing gum, takeaway food packaging and confectionary wrappers.

“I’m pleased to hear that the organisers of the Ekka have arranged with waste contractor Veolia, to install public place recycling bins throughout the Ekka grounds.

“This means everyone should put their rubbish in the bin and use the recycling bins provided for their glass bottles and aluminium cans.”

Ms Nelson-Carr said Queensland Parks and Wildlife Rangers would be at the Ekka highlighting the impact that litter can have on the state’s iconic wildlife and environment.
“Rangers and staff have begun a “Critters Against Litter” campaign, to help raise general awareness of how rubbish can impact on land and marine animals.

“As part of this awareness, postcards will be placed in the “show” bags distributed to people at the EKKA who visit the Government Pavilion and the EPA ranger shows.

“I would like to think that everyone who gets a postcard will take it home and put it on the fridge or send it to a friend, helping us to spread the ‘Don’t Rubbish Queensland’ message.”

Media contact: Karla Steen 3336 8004