Recycling rollout and new waste trucks a boost for K’gari
Fraser Coast Regional Council is stepping up waste services on K’gari, with the rollout of recycling facilities and the arrival of three custom-built, off-road waste collection trucks.
From today (Monday 1 September), residents in Eurong and Happy Valley will be able to drop off comingled recycling at their local waste facilities, providing more ways to reduce waste and protect the island environment.
Cr John Weiland said the changes were part of Council’s commitment to making recycling easier and more accessible - both on the island and across the region.
“We’ve just opened a new recycling facility in Maryborough to sort and process more materials locally, and now we’re bringing those same benefits to island communities,” he said.
“This is about making it easier for people to do the right thing with their waste, no matter where they live. K’gari is a unique location with its own challenges – from soft sandy tracks to shared facilities and limited access – so every solution needs to be tailored.”
Council is asking residents to only place accepted items in the recycling bins to help keep the new service running smoothly.
Key changes include:
- Recycling is now available at the Eurong and Happy Valley waste facilities.
- Eurong’s bin compound will be accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Bulk household waste (like furniture or white goods) and hazardous waste (like oil, chemicals and batteries) can now be dropped off in the core facility area at Eurong during opening hours: Monday, Thursday and Saturday, 9.30am to 2.30pm.
- Recycling at Orchid Beach will be rolled out later, once Council has assessed how well the service is working at the other two locations.
“Orchid Beach is a more remote site and is shared with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, so it’s a bit more complex,” Cr Weiland said.
“Introducing recycling on K’gari requires careful planning, and we want to get it right. For now, Orchid Beach residents can still use their regular bulk waste collection or drop off items to Eurong if needed.”
To support the rollout and new contract, Council’s waste collection contractor, Reuse & Recycle Group, has introduced three heavy-duty trucks built specifically for island conditions.
“These aren’t your typical garbage trucks,” Cr Weiland said.
“They’re eight-wheel-drive, designed for soft sand and steep tracks, and are capable of accessing even the most remote locations. They’re big, bold and built for K’gari.”
Each truck has all-wheel drive with power to all eight wheels, and specialised off-road tyres almost 1.2 metres tall and 50 centimetres wide for better flotation on sand.
These features allow them to reach waste and recycling drop-off points in remote and challenging locations right across K’gari.
Together, the trucks will service about 100 to 150 bulk bins at waste facilities and public drop-off points each week, covering more than 1,500 kilometres, with distances increasing significantly during peak tourist seasons.
“These trucks are part of a smarter, more reliable waste system for K’gari,” Cr Weiland said.
“We’re proud to be investing in practical improvements that protect the island’s environment and make life easier for the people who live and holiday here.”