Bundaberg Region residents can access new tools to help them recycle responsibly and stay informed about waste collection disruptions with new features available through the Recycle Mate app.
Bundaberg Regional Council is highlighting the expanded functionality during National Recycling Week, encouraging residents to download the app and take advantage of features designed to make managing household waste and recycling easier.
Council has a three-year partnership with Recycle Mate, which is supported by the Queensland Government, providing residents with an
additional tool to help make informed waste and recycling decisions.
Among the new functionality available to Council is the ability to send location-based push notifications to residents about waste collection
service delays and disruptions.
Residents can also set bin day reminders and access information and guides to help determine how different household items should be
disposed of.
Mayor Helen Blackburn said the new features provided residents with practical information when and where they needed it.
“Knowing what goes where is one of the simplest things we can all do to recycle responsibly and Recycle Mate makes finding that information quick and convenient,” Mayor Blackburn said.
“The new location-based notifications also give Council another way to communicate directly with residents affected by a waste collection delay or disruption, delivering relevant updates straight to their phone.”
The Recycle Mate app also helps take the guesswork out of sorting waste, allowing users to search for items using a photo or barcode scan to find information about the appropriate bin or disposal method.
Mayor Blackburn said this was particularly important as contamination continued to be an issue in household recycling.
“When incorrect items are placed in recycling bins, they can impact the recycling process and prevent valuable resources from being recovered.
“Batteries are a particular concern and should never be placed in household collection bins because they can pose a fire risk in collection
vehicles and at waste facilities.
“Being able to quickly check an item before disposing of it can help residents make the right choice and keep potentially dangerous or
contaminating items out of the wrong bin.”
The launch of the new features coincide with National Recycling Week, providing a timely reminder for residents to look at their recycling habits and consider what happens to items after they leave the kerb.
Council’s website will remain the home for Council waste information and its Bin Day Finder, while Recycle Mate provides an additional resource for disposal guidance, reminders and notifications.
“National Recycling Week is a great opportunity to stop and think before you bin it,” Mayor Blackburn said.
“Small decisions at home can make a difference, and the more we can keep the wrong things out and put the right things in, the better our
recycling outcomes will be.”
Residents are encouraged to download the Recycle Mate app to access recycling and disposal guidance, set reminders and receive relevant waste service notifications.
For more information and to download the Recycle Mate App visit Bundaberg.qld.gov.au
