Free dumping weekend labelled a success

Last month’s free dumping weekend has been called a success after more than 150 vehicles took advantage of the unlimited disposal of domestic waste.

Burdekin Shire Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said 169 vehicles entered the Kirknie Road Landfill gates on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 November. This was a major increase from the usual 10 vehicles per weekend.

“The numbers show that this was an incredibly popular event amongst our residents,” Cr McLaughlin said.

“We recovered approximately eight tonnes of metal for recycling across the weekend. We also accepted 170 tyres, 14 mattresses and 14 non-degassed fridges. We will now shred the mattresses to recover even more metal for recycling, whilst the tyres will be taken away by an approved tyre recycler.”

Cr McLaughlin commended the community’s behaviour when attending the free dumping weekend, saying that the majority of ute loads were secured or covered, and that residents sorted all waste before dropping recyclable materials in the designated areas.

Whilst the free dumping weekend did mean that standard fees were lifted across the two days, the majority of sorted waste can be accepted at Council Waste Facilities free of charge all year round.

“Household waste which is sorted and placed in the relevant recycling area typically does not attract a disposal fee. Fee exempt waste includes items such as scrap metal, degassed white goods, batteries, household appliances, green waste and furniture.”

Customers can also take up to 6 litres of motor oil and 20 litres of cooking oil to Council’s Transfer Stations for free.

For more information about waste disposal visit https://www.burdekin.qld.gov.au/services/waste-and-recycling