Scenic Rim considers new organics bin service to cut landfill

Published on 03 December 2025

Scenic Rim Regional Council is progressing plans for a household garden organics collection service that would give thousands of residents an easier, cleaner way to manage green waste while reducing landfill costs across the region.

Following Council's Ordinary Meeting this week, Mayor Tom Sharp said the introduction of a third bin for garden organics represented a practical step forward for households and a smart long-term investment for the region.

“Residents want simple, reliable ways to recycle more and waste less," Cr Sharp said.

“Around 21 percent of what currently goes into general waste bins is green waste.

"By capturing that at the kerbside, we can turn it into useful products instead of burying it in landfill.”

Scenic Rim's Director Infrastructure Services, James Ruprai, said the service would deliver wide-ranging benefits to the Scenic Rim.

“This is about helping households reduce waste and improving the region’s resource recovery performance, while ensuring our municipal waste management is contemporary,” he said.

“Diverting organics from landfill means lower emissions, longer-lasting landfill space, and more compost, mulch and soil products available for reuse."

Survey results from 2022 showed strong local support for a garden organics service, and this program has been developed in line with expectations arising from Commonwealth and State waste strategies.

Cr Sharp said Scenic Rim residents wanted a consistent and easily understandable organics recycling system across the region.

"This proposal delivers that and also sets us up to meet tightening State targets around organics recovery,” he said.

"With Queensland Government support through the GROW FOGO fund, Council can introduce a service that saves residents money over time and delivers strong environmental outcomes."

Council will continue to keep the community informed as the project moves through its next stages.