Random bin health checks deliver major recycling win

Published on 26 August 2026

Scenic Rim residents improved their recycling habits and reduced waste contamination by more than 12 per cent during Council's Bin Health Check program.

Scenic Rim Regional Council Mayor Tom Sharp, who also represents the region on the Council of Mayors South East Queensland Waste Working Group, said the improvements were recorded during the 2025 Let’s Get It Sorted Bin Health Check program.

Delivered between 30 April and 8 September last year in Beaudesert, Gleneagle, Boonah, Kalbar, Peak Crossing, Canungra and Boyland, the program combined simple 'lift-the-lid' bin checks with real-time feedback to help households better understand what belongs in each bin.

"A total of 6,630 bin inspections and 158 kerbside conversations were completed with significant behaviour change noted across the program," Cr Sharp said.

"Overall, bagged recycling/waste reduced by 4.23 per cent and contamination in the recycling stream reduced by 12.88 per cent.

"The project met or exceeded all key objectives and created a strong foundation for ongoing behaviour change, future waste education initiatives and longer-term resource recovery improvements."

Supported by the Queensland Government's Let's Get It Sorted Partnership Program, the initiative built on earlier work from 2023-2024.

The $111,987 project was made possible with a one-off $81,743 grant from the Queensland Government.

"More inspections, more conversations and clearer, consistent messaging helped create lasting awareness. Importantly, many residents welcomed the direct engagement, gaining confidence in how to sort their waste correctly and why it matters," Cr Sharp said.

"While there is much to celebrate, the program also highlighted areas where we can keep improving."

Items like soft plastics, bagged rubbish and food packaging remain common challenges.

"Tackling these issues will require continued education and a shared commitment from all of us to think more carefully about what we throw away," Cr Sharp said.

"This program has shown that when the Scenic Rim community works together, meaningful change is possible. By taking a moment to check our bins, reduce contamination and recycle right, each household plays a vital role in protecting our environment and supporting a more sustainable future.

"So, thank you Scenic Rim let’s keep it sorted!"

More information is available on the Council's Waste and Resource Recovery page.