Kleinton Waste Facility diverting mattresses from landfill, offering free mulch trial
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Residents visiting Toowoomba Regional Council’s (TRC) Kleinton Waste Management Facility can take advantage of a free, monthly mulch service trial starting in June, in addition to recycling mattresses at the site.
TRC Water and Waste portfolio leader Cr Nancy Sommerfield said Council had expanded its recycling opportunities at the Kleinton facility to incorporate mattresses in line with the scheme that operates at the Greater Toowoomba Waste Management Facility (GTWMF) at O’Mara Road.
“Council is committed to diverting as much recyclable material as possible from landfill to reduce operating costs and promote further environmental benefits,” Cr Sommerfield said.
“Large bulky items like mattresses have posed challenges up to now as they do not compact easily, due to the springs, and take up significant landfill space.
“Council has been running a successful mattress recycling service at GTWMF since November last year and recently started a similar service at the Kleinton Waste Management Facility.
“Council has processed more than 3000 mattresses since starting the service. Workers cut open the mattresses and remove the springs, which are sold as scrap metal.
“The cumulative effect of the recycling service has allowed Council to save around 1100m³ of landfill space and produced 36 tonnes of steel, which is sold to a recycler.”
In addition, Cr Sommerfield said a six-month free mulch trial would start at the Kleinton Waste Management Facility on Sunday, June 20, 2021. The initial six-month period will provide an opportunity to assess the interest from the community in this service.
“This is an extension of the free mulch service that is offered at the Greater Toowoomba Waste Management Facility on the first Sunday of the month between 9am and 4pm,” Cr Sommerfield said.
“The Kleinton free mulch service will be offered on the third Sunday of the month between 8am and noon. Council officers load the mulch for residents on the scheduled free mulch days.
“We also remind residents that they can load mulch themselves at most of our waste facilities outside the dedicated free mulch days.”
TRC Water and Waste Committee chair Cr Rebecca Vonhoff said the effects of additional recycling initiatives was leading to a significant reduction in material ending up in our landfills.
“Apart from reducing our operating costs, it also helps Council reach the state government’s waste reduction targets,” Cr Vonhoff said.
“By diverting recyclable materials from landfills, we can extend the life of our landfill cells and ensure we are not depositing a range of metals and other substances that otherwise have a more valuable future use.”
For a full list of recyclable items and links to firms and organisations that offer recycling drop-off facilities, please visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/recycling
Caption: TRC Water and Waste portfolio leader Cr Nancy Sommerfield is welcoming the new services at the Kleinton Waste Management Facility. Mattress recycling is available, like the service pictured at the Greater Toowoomba Waste Management Facility.