Ipswich City Council has welcomed its 20,000th customer for its green waste service, with the city’s growing green credentials showing no signs of slowing down.
Waste, Infrastructure and Growth Committee chair Mayor Teresa Harding said Ipswich residents are leading by example following the adoption of the landmark Waste and Circular Economy Transformation Directive in December 2020.
“Each year Ipswich households throw out the equivalent of more than 100 Boeing C-17 Globemaster aircrafts’ worth of waste in their red bins,” Mayor Harding said.
“Cleaning up out household waste streams is just one important action residents can take to contribute to addressing waste related issues in Ipswich.
“Our city is on a path of changing the status quo and we are working with our community, industry and all levels of government to deliver a brighter future on waste in Ipswich.
“This council is committed to supporting a more sustainable Ipswich and services like the green waste bins are just one important part of our bigger plan to improve waste management over the coming years.”
Environment and Sustainability Committee chair Councillor Russell Milligan said the milestone was great news for the Ipswich environment.
“With huge environmental benefits delivered through our green waste service, it is really encouraging to see so many Ipswich residents embrace the service,” Cr Milligan said.
What can go in the green bin?
The following items are accepted in Ipswich green bins:
- prunings and grass clippings
- shrubs
- weeds
- leaves and loose bark
- animal manure
- raw and cooked fruit and vegetable scraps
- egg shells
- tea bags and coffee beans
- bread
- scrap paper that can’t be recycled in your yellow lid recycling bin (shredded paper, shopping dockets, paper towel, tissues, any paper less than A4 size).
The service is available to all Ipswich residents. Residents have a choice of either a 240-litre or 360-litre green waste bins which are collected fortnightly for $20 per quarter.
“These residents have helped divert more than 33,000 tonnes of green waste from landfill since the service began in 2011.”
Environment and Sustainability Committee deputy chair Councillor Andrew Fechner said the popular service was a great opportunity for residents be more sustainable in their everyday lives.
“This council service is a really simple, affordable way to dispose of green waste, and reduce residents’ contributions to landfill,” Cr Fechner said.
More information is available at www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/live/waste-and-recycling/green_waste_service
I love that so many people are recycling their green waste. Now I would like to see more people planting trees along the nature strips. We need more shade. Ipswich could be green and leafy. A shady street is so much cooler and the birds would also have more places to shelter. We can do it!