In a first for the city, Ipswich households will be able to access to a free annual waste voucher in a game-changing move for how the city’s waste is handled.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said council had listened to calls from the community for the introduction of a free waste voucher and delivered.
“Residents have told us clearly and consistently they want more convenience when it comes to disposing of bulky or excess household waste,” Mayor Harding said.
“We’ve heard those calls and this year’s budget will include a new waste voucher that will deliver not only increased choice but also important cost-of-living relief for Ipswich households.
“The voucher will give residents one free trip to a Resource Recovery Centre to dispose of up to 500kg of waste, giving residents planning their next spring clean more options for disposing of bulky waste.”
Residents will be able to access the new voucher in lieu of a free annual blue bag collection service, which each household is currently eligible to receive.
“All ratepayers will be able to choose between the existing annual blue bag collection, or the new voucher to dispose of big and bulky waste quickly, easily and for free,” Mayor Harding said.
“Once redeemed, residents will be able to present their voucher on a trip to the Resource Recovery Centre at Riverview or Rosewood and dispose of unwanted items free of charge.”
Mayor Harding said the new voucher was another string to council’s bow when it came to aiming to reduce as much waste going to landfill as possible.
“Council has been working hard to remove the barriers households face to dispose of waste responsibly,” Mayor Harding said.
“This voucher goes hand-in-hand with council’s other programs to reduce waste and manage landfill responsibly, with ratepayers now enjoying a citywide three-bin system covering waste, recycling and garden waste.
“And we continue to respond to major weather events by offering free green waste drop-off weekends before or after those events to help residents keep their properties safe and clean.”
Finance and Governance Committee Chair Councillor Paul Tully said the voucher program would be budgeted for in council’s 2026-2027 Budget, set to be delivered on 30 June.
“Council’s priority is delivering cost-of-living relief for residents while delivering on our promises to continue managing waste effectively for the long-term,” Cr Tully said.
“It’s an ideal opportunity for ratepayers to put in the back of their mind that they can download and use their voucher when their next spring clean comes around.
“Council is continuing to develop waste programs that minimise our city’s environmental impact while providing more options for ratepayers, as outlined in our Resource Recovery Strategy 2021-2031.”
Ratepayers will be able to go online to request a voucher for up to 500kg of free waste disposal in place of their blue bag collection from September 2026.
From 1 July, the fee for disposing of up to 500kg of domestic waste at Riverview Resource Recovery Centre will be set at $24 for ratepayers, and $19 for pensioners. Waste disposal at Rosewood Resource Recovery Centre will be $24 for the first two cubic metres, or at $19 for pensioners. Green waste disposal fees will continue to be $14 and $11 for pensioners at both centres.
For more details on council’s waste reduction initiatives, visit council’s website.
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