Council taking the smart approach to waste management

Disposing of waste the ‘smart’ way in parks and open spaces is now easier on Redlands Coast, with the city’s smart solar compacting bins recently rolling out into new areas.

Mayor Jos Mitchell said Redland City Council had installed an additional 19 bins in the 2023–2024 financial year, increasing the availability of the technology where it is needed most.

“The 240-litre bins can compact up to eight times the standard bin volume, helping to reduce the frequency of collection, which in turn results in cost savings for Council,” the Mayor said.

“This is just one of many innovative waste initiatives and programs Council has implemented to create a greener future for our city, while also reducing litter in our natural spaces, parks and waterways.

“A total of 31 smart bins are operating citywide, with the majority of these being rolled out during the 2023–2024 financial year following a successful pilot program.

“It means there are now more opportunities for residents to dispose of their waste the ‘smart’ way when visiting our parks and reserves across the mainland and islands.”

The Mayor said trials had also demonstrated the effectiveness of the bins in collecting important data to keep Council informed about their usage.

“The bins have technology built in which sends an alert to Council crews when they are full and need to be emptied,” the Mayor said.

“This reduces the risk of waste overflowing into the natural environment where it could potentially impact wildlife.

“The bin itself is also contributing to our greener city by operating on solar-powered batteries.

“Ongoing monitoring will allow Council to consider further cost-saving opportunities and plan for where bins may be required in future based on demand.

“Keeping our parks and open spaces free of litter is a shared responsibility and means taking care when disposing of your waste.

“If bins in these areas are full, please ensure litter is placed in another available public littler bin or take it home with you and dispose of it in your household bin.”

Areas to have received a smart solar compacting bin as part of the most recent rollout in 2023–2024 included:

Redland City Council provides a suite of services to 166,873 residents and more than 63,000 residential households across Redlands Coast. Our naturally wonderful city on Quandamooka Country is home to more than 335 kilometres of coastline, six island communities and 12 mainland suburbs.