Recycling collection containers are being rolled out to 14 ABIS and IBIS locations across Cape York and the Torres Strait. Photo: Supplied.
Recyclables taking up limited waste disposal space in Cape York and the Torres Strait will now be given a second life thanks to a new waste management initiative.
Remote supermarket operator Community Enterprise Queensland (CEQ) announced the launch of its Resource Recovery Project earlier this month, which is aimed at preventing cardboard and pallet wrap from ending up in landfill.
Collection containers will initially roll out in 14 ABIS and IBIS supermarkets – Lockhart River, Napranum, Bamaga, Nurupai, Warraber, Tamwoy, Iama, Mer, Mabuiag, Wug, Boigu, Kubin, Saibai, and Masig – with a total of 20 sites planned for the project.
Chief executive officer Michael Dykes said the project supported CEQ’s growing focus on environmental sustainability and effective waste management practices.
“We are proud to lead this initiative and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the environment and the communities we serve,” he said.
The initiative is set to be simple for residents to get involved with, with CEQ store team members to handle the collection and preparation of recyclable materials for weekly pick-ups.
The collected materials will then be sent to Cairns by Sea Swift, where they will be processed into usable products at North Queensland Recycling Agents (NQRA).
With the purpose of ensuring that communities like Cape York and the Torres Strait can increase their participation in resource recovery and recycling, the project has been funded by the federal and state governments’ Regional and Remote Recycling Modernisation Fund.
“Through collaboration, we have been able to implement a practical solution that addresses waste management challenges,” Mr Dykes said.
“We are also appreciative of Sea Swift’s and NQRA’s commitment to this initiative; together, we are making a tangible difference in preserving the environment for future generations.”
