Tip shop's new operator to boost Council's recycling efforts

Noosa Council has appointed a new operator to run its popular tip shop.

Resource Recovery Australia (RRA) will expand the tip shop’s recycling and salvage capacity to further Council’s waste reduction plans.

Not-for-profit RRA is a specialist waste and recycling group. It will take over the site towards the end of the financial year.

“We need to maximise our waste and recycling efforts if we’re to achieve a 55% reduction in waste to landfill by 2024, as set by the state. The tip shop is an important part of our strategy to achieve that ambitious goal,” Council’s Waste Manager Wayne Schafer said.

“RRA is an expert in this field. Estimates suggest that they will increase the recovery of items otherwise headed for landfill by around five tonne per month. They’ll also improve the current level of mattress recycling to include foam and timber components.”

RRA will also run community programs to help reduce waste. New ‘tinkerage’ workshops will teach residents how to repair furniture, bicycles and other household items to keep them out of landfill.

“RRA is also keen to partner with local community groups to salvage and up-cycle goods that would otherwise wind up in landfill,” Mr Schafer said.

Council staff identified RRA as the strongest contender in the competitive tender process for the seven-year management contract.

Mayor Tony Wellington said Noosa would benefit from RRA’s commitment to work-for-the-dole and other employment programs.

“We have a responsibility to ensure the best value for money for our ratepayers from that operation, which is why we went to tender to award the new contract,” Mayor Wellington said.

“RRA works with councils across Australia. Here in Queensland, they are involved with recycling for Toowoomba, Mount Isa, Gladstone and Carpentaria councils. Now Noosa will benefit from their expertise and experience.”

Mayor Wellington thanked Noosa Community Training Centre, which has operated Brite Side Industries, for their many years of service.

“Noosa Community Training has made a significant contribution to local waste management. They also provide a number of government funded training programs locally. Council will consider how it can further support Noosa Community Training in their training endeavours,” he said.

19 February 2018