Why it’s easier to recycle when you’re out

It will soon be even easier to do the right thing for the environment and keep the Sunshine Coast beautiful.

This is thanks to more recycling bins being installed by Sunshine Coast Council at popular beaches and parks across the region. 

Cans, drink cartons, plastic and glass bottles, and clean paper and cardboard can go in the new public recycling bins.

Takeaway coffee cups can’t be recycled and should be put in the landfill bin instead.

Items with batteries in them – such as vapes – should be taken to the closest battery return point as batteries must not go into the landfill or recycle bin due to the risk of fires in the trucks and at the recycling plant.

Sunshine Coast Council Manager of Waste and Resource Management John Hogg said it was now easier to recycle – even when out and about.

“Materials that would have otherwise ended up in landfill can now be recycled,” Mr Hogg said.

“Recycle bins will be rolled out to prominent areas across the region in stages, with a total of 208 new bins installed over the coming months.

“We’ve been able to improve the opportunity for our community to recycle when visiting their favourite place, thanks to the new Nambour Material Recovery Facility, which opened in December 2023.

“The new recycling plant can accept material seven days a week as opposed to the previous plant which was only open from Monday to Friday.”

Being clear on what goes into each bin

Mr Hogg said clear instructions were attached to the front of each recycle bin to show what could go in the bin.

“The sign is yellow as yellow represents recycling,” Mr Hogg said.

“We hope these simple instructions will help remind our community the right way to recycle as we work together for a clean Sunshine Coast.”

How recycling bin locations were chosen

Council will place new recycle bins in the areas where it’ll have a big benefit – taking into consideration feedback from the local community, whether trucks could access the bin and the type of activity that takes place there. 

Bins are planned for various spots at Alexandra Headland, Mooloolaba, Maroochydore, Coolum Beach, Golden Beach, Currimundi, Dicky Beach, Sippy Downs, Moffat Beach, Warana, Buddina, Shelly Beach, Eumundi, Yaroomba, Nambour, Point Artwright, Maleny and Palmwoods.

To learn the right way to recycle and find the closest battery return point visit recyclemate.com.au