A PROPOSED market place to sell recycled material from the city’s Waste Transfer Stations and kerbside collections moved a step closer this week.
An Ipswich City Council discussion paper has identified the need to prevent useful and usable items from ending up in landfills.
Works, Parks and Sport Committee acting chairperson Cr David Morrison said the concept of a recycled market or tip shop also offered the opportunity for council to partner with a not for profit enterprise.
“Recycle markets are a way to repurpose materials and items recovered from council-owned waste transfer stations.
“Items could also be donated by residents rather than wait until a kerbside collection.
“A recycle market also offers environmental, economic and social benefits.
“Items that may be suitable for sale include furniture, household items, garden equipment, sporting goods and building materials.
“However there are a few hurdles to clear before council commits to a recycle market or a location.
“Riverview transfer station has limited space available and traffic constraints at busy times.
“Costs of transporting items to another site need to be considered as is the need to have the capacity in terms of staffing both at Riverview and another site for a market,” Cr Morrison said.
Conservation and Environment Committee chairperson Cr Kerry Silver said there was an agreement in principle to proceed with a feasibility study and business plan.
“What I like about this concept of a tip shop or recycled market is that it allows us to revisit how council may operate the bulk rubbish kerbside collection in the future.
“Establishing a successful shop to recycle unwanted goods will contribute to the principles of a circular economy which aims to reduce and transform the current practice of use once and throw away.
“It will also help the environment by reducing the amount of waste destined for landfills,” Cr Silver said.
