New Recycling Funding Could Help Extend Life Of Hinchinbrook Landfill

Cell 1 and Tip shop at the Warrens Hill Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre. Photo credit: Victoria Velton

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Hinchinbrook Shire Council is looking to make the most of new Queensland Government funding aimed at increasing recycling and reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill, following the recent completion of a new cell at Warrens Hill Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre.

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The State Government has announced a $487 million Waste Reduction and Recycling Activation Fund as part of its Less Landfill, More Recycling 2035 strategy, with funding available to councils and industry for recycling and resource recovery infrastructure.

For Hinchinbrook Shire Council Utilities Portfolio Councillor Pat Lynch, the investment comes at an important time as Council works to maximise the lifespan of its newest landfill facility.

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“Council has made a major investment in the future of waste management for our Shire with the recent completion of Cell 4 at Warrens Hill Landfill,” Cr Lynch said.

“As landfill construction becomes increasingly expensive, it’s important we do everything we can to make this asset last as long as possible.”

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The new State Government funding could provide an opportunity for Council to further develop the Warrens Hill facility, with Cr Lynch confirming Council intends to pursue funding opportunities that align with its Corporate Plan.

“Our priority is upgrading the Warrens Hill Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre to increase recycling and resource recovery, reduce waste going to landfill, and deliver long-term environmental and financial benefits for the community,” he said.

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The $487 million package includes funding for expanded kerbside recycling and organics services, new resource recovery infrastructure, recycling education and a dedicated $11 million Regional Recycling Transport Fund to help move recyclable materials to processing facilities.

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For a regional council such as Hinchinbrook, improved resource recovery could help divert more material before it reaches Warrens Hill.

“Reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill is a key priority for Council,” Cr Lynch said.

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“Through our Corporate Plan, we’re focused on developing a long-term waste management strategy that improves sustainability outcomes and increases resource recovery.”

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He said recycling and recovering valuable materials would be important to extending the life of the Shire’s landfill facilities.

“Every tonne of material we can divert from landfill makes a difference.”

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While infrastructure and funding will play a role, Council is also encouraging residents to take action at home. Cr Lynch urged residents to follow the four Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Recover.

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Simple changes include using reusable bags, bottles and coffee cups, participating in Containers for Change, using Council’s embedded battery collection points and ensuring recyclable items are disposed of correctly. Residents can also use the free Recycle Mate app through Council’s website to check what can and cannot be recycled.

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Green waste disposal remains free for Hinchinbrook residents at the Warrens Hill Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre.

“The best way to reduce waste is to avoid creating it in the first place,” Cr Lynch said.

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“Every small action makes a difference.”

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“When our community works together to recycle more and waste less, we can extend the life of our landfill, reduce costs and create a more sustainable Hinchinbrook for future generations.”

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