Recycle Mate Making Recycling Right Easier for the Goondiwindi Region

Recycling right just got a whole lot easier for Goondiwindi region residents thanks to Council entering a trial partnership with Recycle Mate funded by the Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation. A web and app program designed to reduce recycling confusion and improve recycling practices, Recycle Mate is now available to all Goondiwindi region residents for the next 12 months.

Recycle Mate makes household recycling easier by providing clear instructions on what items go in which bin, and what can be recycled beyond kerbside collection. This initiative supports the Queensland Government’s recycling and waste management targets, ultimately helping to reduce the amount of landfill waste.

With over 19,000 km² in the region, each town has different household recycling options, posing a challenge for Council and residents. Recycle Mate reduces the confusion by providing localised information which helps residents locate the nearest option for disposal of both household waste and recycling options.

The portfolio holder for Waste Services Cr Rob Mackenzie stated, "By making it easier for residents to recycle correctly, we can divert waste from landfill, meet our government targets, and avoid additional costs for ratepayers. Correct recycling, donating, or repairing reusable items are small things we can do every day to reduce the amount of waste we send to landfill. We appreciate residents’ efforts to recycle correctly”.

Recycle Mate allows residents to easily check how to dispose of specific items correctly. By simply typing the item name (e.g. milk bottle, pizza box) into the search bar on Council’s website or the Recycle Mate app. The guide informs users whether the item can be recycled in the yellow-lidded bin, requires another disposal method, or can be reused or donated. As part of this trial Council appreciates residents providing feedback on useability of the tools and we will continue to make updates and improvements throughout the trial period.

Residents can download the free Recycle Mate app for accurate recycling advice tailored to their location, or visit Council’s website - Recycling Right – Goondiwindi Regional Council (grc.qld.gov.au). This initiative complements other recent waste management projects, including increased recycling bin capacity at the Inglewood Waste Transfer site, and the recent mailout with recycling stickers.

For businesses acting as product stewards for recycling and not currently featured on the local Recycle Mate resource, please contact Council or Recycle Mate at help@recyclemate.com.au