Reflections on Recycling

Published on 17 November 2017

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As National Recycling Week comes to a close, Cr Neil Fisher, Chair of the Rockhampton Region Waste Committee, reflects on what our Region is doing well and what we need to do better.

Cr Fisher said he was proud of the work Council and residents were already doing.

“It has been really wonderful to see everyone across the Region stepping up and getting involved. From the school children who designed our Recycling Calendar, to the Customer Service Assistants and Librarians who are giving out free copies, to the team who produced our How to be a Recycling Hero guide, when we all come together to act we really can make a difference. 

“As we look to the future, there is even more we can do. Contamination is a real issue for recycling in Rockhampton. When the incorrect materials are placed in the recycling bin, or when recyclable materials have food on them – like a pizza box – it often means the entire contents of that bin cannot be recycled.

“Next year there are State initiatives being introduced which will affect us all. From July, thin plastic bags will be banned in Queensland, meaning customers will need to either purchase thicker ones each time they shop or – preferably – bring their own along.

“The State Government is also introducing a Container Refund Scheme next year – this will reduce waste in our Region and may also provide an opportunity for charities and non-profits to generate income.”

The Recycling Calendars can be collected for free from our Customer Service Centres and Libraries.

The Recycling Guide will come free in Saturday's Morning Bulletin, and can be downloaded here.

Annual Recycling figures for Rockhampton Region:

  • Nearly 4,000 tonnes of paper and cardboard;
  • 500 tonnes of aluminium;
  • 800 tonnes of plastic;
  • 1,000 tonnes of glass.

Recycling facts from State Government:

  • Recycling one tonne of paper and cardboard saves 30,000 litres of water;
  • Recycling one aluminium can save enough energy to run a TV for three hours;
  • Recycling one plastic bottle saves enough energy to power a CFL bulb for 30 hours;
  • Recycling one glass bottle saves enough energy to power a washing machine for 10 minutes.