Despite the cancellation of Brisbane’s kerbside collection in mid-2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, the service was reinstated in July 2021. The move was expected to save the council $13 million over two years, making it immensely convenient for residents who are unable to transport bulky items to the dump. The service also promotes re-use and upcycling, reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. While some residents have expressed a desire for the service to be held twice a year, it is important to consider the cost implications, as the current service is projected to cost $37 million over the next four years.
On the other hand, residents in areas like Moreton Bay do not have access to free mass kerbside collection and must instead transport their own trash to the tip. Moreton Bay discontinued its on-demand collection service for bulky and large household items in October 2022 due to low uptake, with only eight households a month utilizing the service. The council deemed it financially unsustainable to maintain the necessary equipment and personnel for such a small percentage of households.
While the Tour de Brisbane may present some challenges for salvaging items during kerbside collection, the event only shuts down certain roads on Sunday mornings, leaving plenty of other opportunities throughout the year to find discarded treasures in your own suburb. There are no specific rules regarding the legality of taking items left for collection, according to a council spokeswoman. Additionally, no complaints have been received regarding the timing of events and kerbside collection. The Tour de Brisbane organizers were contacted for comment on the matter.
Overall, the kerbside collection service in Brisbane offers a valuable resource for residents to declutter and dispose of large items conveniently. The reinstatement of the service in 2021 was met with enthusiasm from many residents, who appreciate the opportunity to pass on usable items to others or recycle materials rather than sending them to landfill. While some have suggested increasing the frequency of kerbside collection, it is essential to consider the financial implications of such a decision. Residents in areas without free mass kerbside collection services, like Moreton Bay, must shoulder the responsibility of transporting their own trash to the tip, highlighting the convenience and benefits of Brisbane’s kerbside collection program.
