Waste collection over the festive season

Lockyer Valley Regional Council is reminding residents of changes to waste collection services and Council facility operating hours over the festive season.

Council’s Waste Management Portfolio Councillor Julie Reck said wheelie bin collections will begin an hour earlier on Christmas Day, to allow waste collectors to get home to their families sooner.

“If your bin day is on a Thursday, your collection falls on Christmas Day this year and collections will start at 5am,” she said.

“Bin collections will begin at the usual time of 6am on all other days, including New Year’s Day.

“To avoid a mad dash and potential missed collection, please ensure your wheelie bins are placed out the night before.”

Cr Reck encouraged residents to sort their waste correctly to save room.

“People usually generate more waste than normal over the holidays, and sorting your waste correctly not only reduces items going to landfill but can help stop your bin from filling up so quickly,” she said.

“A good way to prevent your recycling bin from overflowing during the festive season is to separate your empty bottles and cans and drop them off at a local Container Recycling Scheme point.

“It will save room in your bin and you’ll earn extra cash in the process, which is a win-win.”

Cr Reck reminded residents that they can also dispose of excess general waste and recyclables at any of Council’s waste transfer stations.

“Our waste facilities will be open every day over the holiday period, except Christmas Day,” she said.

“Residents can dispose of up to a 0.24m3 (a wheelie-bin size) quantity of domestic general waste per day for free and disposal of recyclable materials like cardboard and electronic waste is also free.”

She stressed batteries must never be placed in wheelie bins as they can spark fires and leach toxins into the ground.

“From toys to electronics, batteries are everywhere during the holiday season,” she said.

“When they’re flat, it’s important to dispose of them correctly by taping each end with sticky tape and dropping them to a B-cycle recycling point across the region.”

To view transfer station and Tip Shop opening hours during the holiday season, visit www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au/waste

To view B-cycle recycling points, visit bcycle.com.au