Council is dedicated to maximising and improving recycling and resource recovery rates in the region.
To support the efforts of the State and Federal government the Gladstone Regional Council Waste Management and Resource Recovery Strategy provides a clear strategic direction and action plan for Council over the coming 10 years.
With a focus to reduce, reuse and recycle the plan outlines our waste management priorities and targets.
Litter and illegally dumped rubbish ruins our built and natural environment and endangers our waterways, wildlife and public health. Some simple ways to keep it clean:
Hold onto your rubbish until you can put it in a bin
Take larger items to a transfer station or landfill
If it’s in good condition, donate to charity or take it to a council tip shop
Ensure your donated items go into a charity shop or bin, not left outside to be damaged or
If you see litter, pick it up and put it in a bin
Report littering from vehicles and vessels, and illegally dumped rubbish.
Buying better
Take a minute to think before you buy. This simple action can lead to more sustainable choices.
Where possible, buy quality goods that will last or that are easy to repair
Choose products with little or no packaging, like loose fruit and vegetables as opposed to pre-packaged
Choose goods made from recycled materials or with a high level of recycled material in them
Take action and tell retailers how you would like things to change.
Choosing to refuse and reuse
Ask yourself, do I really need it or are there more sustainable options?
Avoid disposable items altogether like opting for balloon-free events, or asking for no straw with your drink
Choose reusable over disposable items particularly single-use items such as plates, cutlery, bags, drink bottles and coffee cups
Fix the products you have, instead of buying replacements
Choose products with reusable packaging
Donate your quality goods to charity, or buy and sell second hand goods to keep them in use
Take action and tell businesses how you would like things to change.
Reducing food waste
Nearly half of the average waste in a household bin is organic waste (green waste and food waste) with food waste alone costing households more than $3,000 a year. Here are some simple tips for when you're:
Shopping
Look at what you have in the pantry and fridge before you go shopping
Plan your meals ahead
Shop with a list and only buy what you need
Check the use-by-date of food and use it before it goes off.
Cooking
Keep fruit and veg in the fridge so it lasts longer
Cook more and freeze meals and leftovers for later
Freeze food if it's getting close to its used-by date.
Green waste
Disposal of green waste is free at all Transfer Stations and the Benaraby Landfill up to 500kg's for Gladstone Region residents.
Council recommends residents sort recycling, general waste and green waste before heading to a landfill site in order to save time. It will also assist Council operators to appropriately assess and calculate any charges correctly.
Please do not dispose of green waste in your general waste and recycling bins as they can cause issues for the waste collection trucks.
For safe collection of unwanted chemicals, you can register at www.chemclear.com.au or phone 1800 008 182. Fees may apply.
For unwanted household chemicals, please use in accordance with the directions (e.g. on the lawn).
Domestic asbestos waste free disposal
Council will accept up to 10 square meters, or under 250 kg, of material containing asbestos from property owners or owner-builders (from within the Gladstone Region) free of charge, at both the Gladstone Transfer Station and the Benaraby Landfill. Property owners and owner-builders must complete a Disposal Conditions and Application Form to be eligible. This form can be presented upon arrival at the Landfill Stations.
Commercial asbestos waste disposal
The Benaraby Landfill, only, will accept asbestos weighing over 250 kg. This service is not available at any other Transfer Station in the area. Commercial operators must complete the Application for Disposal at Benaraby Landfill form and fax it to (07) 4975 0700. Applicants will have to wait for an approval back from Council before disposal. 48hrs notice is required and disposal is between 10am and 2pm Monday to Friday. A minimum charge will apply for quantities under one tonne. A per tonne fee will apply for quantities over one tonne.
Sharps disposal
Council encourages sharps users to dispose of these items responsibly, in the interest of the community health and wellbeing.
Sharps disposal bins are available in the locations listed below, during office hours. Disposal of syringes outside of hours should be undertaken at the Gladstone District Hospital.
Gladstone Office
Calliope Office
Boyne Tannum Community Centre
Mount Larcom Rural Transaction Centre
Car bodies
Car bodies are only accepted at Benaraby Landfill and Agnes Water Transfer Station. All liquids/oils must be drained. A private towing contractor must be used for removal from your property. Please refer to a phone directory to contact a tow truck driver.
Fuel
Fuel cannot be disposed of as it is volatile and if mixed with other waste may explode. For a small amount of fuel, leave the container lid open so the fuel can evaporate into the atmosphere. Or it may be suitable for use in a lawn mower.
Mercury
Council does not accept mercury at any landfill or transfer station. This includes thermometers containing mercury. Please contact a contractor for collection by visiting the Recycling Near You website.
Waste and cooking oils
Waste oil must not go into the general or recycle wheelie bins. Small quantities of waste engine oil and cooking oils can be disposed of at all sites with no charge. Oil drums must not be over 20 litres and must not contain any kitty litter.
Paint
You can take your waste paint and packaging to our Paintback sites at either Benaraby Landfill or Gladstone Transfer Station. There is a maximum of 100 litres stowed in up to 20 litre containers per visit.
White goods
Disposal of selected white goods (ovens, washing machines etc) is free, fridges/freezers and air cons are $5.50 each due to de-gas charges.
Council advises that the refrigerant in old fridges or freezers should be recovered by a licensed technician, to avoid escape of the material into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.
LPG gas cylinders
Domestic cylinders (up to 9kg) can be disposed of at BOC Gas & GEA. Oxyacetylene cylinders should be returned to:
BOC Gas & GEA
9 Red Rover Road
Gladstone Qld 4680
Phone: (07) 4972 2533
If disposing a gas cylinder over 9 kg, please contact Bundy Hot Gas.
Bundy Hot Gas
4 Brickworks Circuit
Svensson Heights Qld 4670
Phone: (07) 4154 1317
Website: https://www.bundyhotgas.com.au
Timber can be disposed of free by domestic residents, if it is considered clean. Kitchen cupboards, bench tops and stained and/or laminated chipboard are not considered clean wood, therefore a fee will be charged.
Scrap metal
Scrap metal (e.g. rain water tanks, hot water systems) is free for disposal for domestic loads. Commercial loads may be sold directly to metal recyclers.
Car batteries
Car batteries are accepted free at all sites.
Fire extinguishers
Fire extinguishers can be taken to:
Chubb Fire Safety
Shop 4, 35 Chapple Street
Gladstone Qld 4680
Phone: (07) 4973 4500
