New $31m recycling sorting facility nears completion

The Fraser Coast’s new $31 million recycling sorting centre at the Maryborough landfill is nearly finished, with operations expected to begin in early 2025.

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour and Resource Recovery spokesperson Michelle Byrne toured the new Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) today during National Recycling Week.

“Our new MRF in Maryborough will be transformational for regional recycling. It will be three times larger than the Dundowran facility, which has reached the end of its operational life,” Cr Seymour said.

“It’s exciting to see the building structure complete, with more than half of the advanced sorting and automation equipment now installed.

“This state-of-the-art technology will significantly improve the speed and precision of recycling processes.”

Cr Byrne said more than 20 per cent of the material processed at the current facility ends up in landfill, but with the new MRF, that amount could be cut in half.

“Better separation of recyclables will increase recovery rates and improve the quality of recycled materials,” she said.

“This opens up opportunities for innovative recycling initiatives, like creating park benches from recycled plastic or producing cat litter from recycled cardboard.”

In 2023/24, the Dundowran MRF processed about 7,000 tonnes of mixed recyclables from the kerbside collection of yellow-lid recycling bins – about half of which was paper and cardboard. Other materials recovered included glass, aluminium, and steel.

“Council is committed to boosting recycling rates and minimising waste sent to landfill. The new MRF is a crucial step toward reducing our environmental impact and supporting a resilient, environmentally responsible region,” Cr Seymour said.

More information about recycling and waste management, including an A – Z recycling guide, is available at https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/waste-management

Fraser Coast residents are also encouraged to download the Recycle Mate app, which gives disposal advice specific to your location anywhere in Australia.