Queensland sets 65 pc recycling target as waste outstrips growth

Queensland is launching a comprehensive new waste strategy aimed at significantly boosting recycling rates and curbing landfill waste. The state government has set an ambitious target of achieving 65 percent recycling by 2035. Alongside this, the strategy mandates a 65 percent reduction in waste sent to landfill within the next decade, compared to 2019-20 levels. This initiative comes as waste generation in Queensland surged by 4.5 percent in the last financial year, reaching almost 10.25 million tonnes, outpacing population growth. Environment Minister Andrew Powell emphasized that the strategy is tailored to the diverse needs of communities across Queensland, with specific, more stringent targets for the south-east region (70% reduction in landfill waste) and major regional hubs like Cairns, Townsville, and Mackay (50% reduction). Rural and remote areas aim to maintain current landfill disposal levels. The plan replaces a previous strategy that fell short of its 2025 recycling and landfill diversion goals. The government is backing this new approach with a substantial investment of $488 million for local councils. While a review of the waste levy has been conducted, any changes to the charge have yet to be announced.

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This strategy is about doing what we said we would do; reducing landfill, increasing recycling and investing in the infrastructure Queensland needs for the future.