Almost a thousand tonnes of material have been kept out of landfill as Ipswich City Council’s cleaner and greener kerbside collection program achieved an almost 70 per cent recycling rate during its first year.
More than 12,000 Ipswich residents have used the free On-Demand Large Item Kerbside Collection to discard unwanted items such as furniture, white goods and toys after the program was launched in January 2024.
Environment and Sustainability Chairperson Councillor Jim Madden said the results over the first year showed the program is a success.
“This innovative program allows residents to request collection when they want, rather than having to wait for a designated pick-up date,” Cr Madden said.
“What’s more, this program is smashing its sustainability targets.
“We had set a minimum target of a 50 per cent recycling rate, but I’m proud to report we have achieved a remarkable 69 per cent rate.
“That means after collecting 1,368.7 tonnes of material in just one year, we have recycled more than 944.42 tonnes.
“It’s a far better outcome than under the previous program, when materials were collected biannually and went straight to landfill, creating a massive amount of waste.”
Under the program, Ipswich residents are entitled to one free collection each year at a time of their choosing.
Residents can go online or call to request a two cubic metre bag to place items on the kerbside ahead of collection, concealing them from view.
“Instead of piles of rubbish lining the streets of our suburbs during kerbside collection periods, our residents are enjoying having control and choice when it comes to discarding large items,” Cr Madden said.
“This is another way council is delivering cleaner, greener services for Ipswich residents to enjoy.”
The bags, known as FLEXiSKiP, are heavy duty and are big enough to fit couches, mattresses, washing machines, bikes and other large items.
The bags are delivered to residents by staff members of contractor Handel Group, who then return to collect the filled bags within a specified timeframe.
The service can be booked at Ipswich.qld.gov.au/kerbside or by calling the customer service centre on 07 3130 0412.
