Did you know that over 100,000 tonnes of organic waste are dumped into Brisbane’s landfill every year?
Did you also know there is a way that a city can both reduce its carbon emissions, save ratepayers money, and create stable and ongoing employment and economic benefits.
The answer is a permanent food organics and garden organics recycling program. And that is exactly what a Labor-led Brisbane City Council would deliver.
As part of Brisbane Labor’s Climate Resilient City policy, Lord Mayoral candidate Tracey Price would introduce an organic recycling scheme that would divert waste from landfill, actively tackling the effects of climate change on the city, with some additional bonuses as well.
“Our plan would see green top bins provided for free, and collected weekly.”
“This would mean residents can be assured their organic waste is being recycled, rather than dumped into landfill.”
“Rather than ignoring the problem or coming up with hare-brained ideas like rebates for insinkerators, my team and I have a real plan to address climate change and greenhouse gas emissions.”
Leader of the Opposition Councillor Jared Cassidy explained some of the other benefits of implementing organic recycling.
“Each and every year under the LNP Administration the amount of organic waste dumped into landfill has risen.”
“A full organic recycling program reduces pressure on ratepayers, creates sustainable jobs and would save ratepayers more than $600 million dollars over 10 years.”
“Compost created as a by-product of organic recycling can also be sold for profit, meaning even more rates relief for the people of Brisbane.”
Councils all around Australia are implementing organic recycling programs and a Labor Administration led by Tracey Price is keen to make sure Brisbane joins that list.
If you aren’t familiar with what organic recycling means and what the process is, Brisbane Now has put together some information below.
What are food organics?
Food organics are kitchen scraps, food waste or other organic material that comes from food preparation and consumption. Some examples are vegetable and fruit peels, coffee grinds and eggshells.
What are garden organics?
Green waste from outdoor spaces, parks and gardens. Some examples are grass clippings, tree branches and other garden waste.
What happens to organic waste?
Organic waste is processed at specific facilities where microorganisms break down the organic material into compost.
This nutrient rich by-product of organic waste recycling can be sold for a profit or used in garden and park maintenance.
What are some of the benefits of organic recycling?
- Waste disposal fees decrease which means the Council is paying less, putting downward pressure on rates.
- Reduction in greenhouse gases.
- Additional revenue from the ability to sell the by-product creating a circular economy.
- Sustainable jobs in establishing and operating recycling facilities.
