The Sunshine Coast is nearing construction of a new $40.5 million material recycling facility (MRF), which is expected to be operating by the end of the year. The MRF will be able to process 60,000 tonnes or more of aluminium cans, glass bottles and jars, plastic containers, cardboard, paper, and steel annually. This increased recycling capacity and industry-leading intelligent sorting technology will enhance recycling results, reducing waste-to-landfill and creating new circular economy possibilities in downstream markets.
Environment Minister Leanne Linard viewed the new facility with member for Nicklin Rob Skelton, Mayor Mark Jamieson, and Environment & Liveability Portfolio Councillor Maria Suarez on the Sunshine Coast for a Ministerial Environmental Round Table.
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The MRF is South East Queensland's first new-build plant and the greatest new investment in publicly-owned recycling infrastructure in a decade. The facility was built thanks to a tripartite funding agreement between all levels of government, including $22 million from the Palaszczuk Government's Recycling and Jobs Fund, $13.5 million from the Sunshine Coast Council, and a $5 million contribution from the Albanese Government's Recycling Modernisation Fund.
"The Albanese Labor Government is committed to working with states and territories and industry to better manage waste in places like the Sunshine Coast. We know that boosting recycling isn't just good for the environment; it's good for jobs - for every 1 job in a landfill, there are three jobs in recycling.
We also know people want to do the right thing and recycle their waste. Our funding is supporting new recycling infrastructure as well as helping regional communities in Queensland recycle more of their waste. We want to better protect nature and reverse decline for our kids and grandkids – and that takes all levels of Government working together," said Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek MP.
Expanding recycling capacity contributes to a critical finding of the South East Queensland Waste Management Plan, a region-wide collaborative waste approach driven by South East Queensland Mayors through the Council of Mayors - South East Queensland (CoMSEQ), while also supporting resource recovery and landfill diversion targets outlined in the Palaszczuk Government's Queensland Waste Strategy.
“Sunshine Coast residents are keen recyclers and they’re telling me that they’re keen to do even more to reduce, reuse and recycle waste. “The facility will sort glass bottles and jars, paper, cardboard, plastics, steel cans and aluminium cans from household and business yellow-lidded bins at 98 per cent purity – the highest quality of any Australian recycling facility. I’m thrilled that the Palaszczuk Government has joined forces with Sunshine Coast Regional Council and the Albanese Government to deliver this new materials recycling facility for our community,” added Member for Nicklin, Rob Skelton.
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