Reuse and recycle to help the planet thrive

Bundaberg Region residents are being encouraged to get creative with recycling as part of Planet Ark’s National Recycling Week.

The annual event is celebrating a quarter century of helping Australians cut waste by asking Australians to recycle in a way that is meaningful to them.

National Recycling Week kicks off on 7 November and runs until 13 November.

Bundaberg Regional Council is getting involved by providing locals with tips and ticks on how to Recycle Right.

Waste and Recycling portfolio spokesperson Cr Tanya McLoughlin said there was always plenty of opportunity to turn household waste into something useful.

“Waste isn’t waste until it’s wasted and this National Recycling Week, we are encouraging residents to give household items a second chance before throwing them away,” she said.

“For example, one reusable cup can keep hundreds of disposable coffee cups out of landfill so find one you love and incorporate it into your morning ritual. 

“Take your reusable bottle to school or work to avoid the use of unsustainable single-use water bottles.

“Keep reusable shopping bags in your car or handbag to avoid the risk of forgetting them at the front door – the opportunities are endless!”

Cr McLoughlin said to help locals, a 30 day recycling calendar had been created and featured plenty more tips to reuse household waste.

“Make yourself a challenge to follow a tip each day to keep your recycling habits in check,” Cr McLoughlin said.

Find the calendar here.

Council provides a range of recycling services to the Bundaberg Region community, including:

Yellow-lidded bins
All plastic bottles and jars can be recycled in the yellow-lidded bins, but remember to remove the lids and rinse out to ensure a better end product. Some hard/rigid containers can also be recycled including ice-cream containers, yogurt containers, butter containers, and plant pots. Soft plastics like plastic bags and plastic wrap should not go in the kerbside recycle bin. Find out more here.

X-rays
X-Rays are accepted at the Bundaberg and Qunaba Waste Facilities. Disposal of these is free.

eWaste
eWaste is free for disposal at all waste facilities. Items should be separated from other general waste and placed in the eWaste areas provided.

Paintback
Residents have access for disposal of wet paint in containers up to 20L drums (to a maximum of 100 litres in one disposal) through the Paintback Scheme available at some waste facilities. Wet paint is accepted free at Bundaberg Waste Facility and Qunaba Waste Facility.

Batteries
Battery collection boxes are located throughout the region – you can drop your batteries at all local waste facilities, Council service centres and the Bundaberg Library.