Townsville City Council has continued to lead the way in moving towards a zero-waste future.
Figures from the latest Annual Report, which was tabled at October’s Ordinary Council Meeting, highlighted significant steps towards recycling, waste reduction and utilising renewable energy.
Water and Resource Recovery Committee chairperson Russ Cook said Council has and continues to make major achievements in waste reduction.
“During the 2022/23 financial year we diverted more than 102,000 tonnes, or one million wheelie bins, of waste from going to landfill,” Cr Cook said.
“Close to 270 tonnes of material was given a new lease of life after being sold through our tip shops.
“We reduced commercial and demolition waste going to landfill by 1,717 tonnes.
“Our FOGO trial diverted 800 tonnes of organic waste from going to landfill.”
Cr Cook said big achievements were also made in educating the community on how to recycle and reuse.
“We know our community supports our goal to create a circular economy that advances business and moves towards zero waste,” he said.
“Council continues to educate our community about the importance of recycling and correctly disposing of waste.
“Initiatives like our Reusable Rebate Program achieved great success in giving residents helpful information and helping them through rebates on purchasing reusable products.
“Council also continued to invest into renewable energy with more Council-owned buildings having rooftop solar panels installed to lower their environmental footprint and save on electricity costs.
“We also expanded our fleet of electric vehicles, as Council took delivery of six renewable energy cars and one hybrid truck.”
