The Sunshine Coast Resource Recovery Strategy, adopted in 2023, aims to move towards a circular economy approach to waste management. This is where products and materials keep circulating in the economy for as long as possible. The strategy means that the council has adopted a goal of being a zero net emissions organization by 2041.
As part of this strategy, the Nambour waste precinct is being upgraded to include a new state-of-the-art Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), a resource recovery centre, and landfill improvements, with more than $83 million of work to be completed in the next 3 years.
The MRF will sort and separate mixed recycling from yellow-lid bins into recyclable fractions such as paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, steel, and aluminium, making these materials ready for manufacturers to make new products.
The resource recovery centre will allow visitors to separate their recyclable household items and materials to reduce waste going to landfill, including items such as mobile phones, paint, batteries, and white goods.
The facility at Nambour will be able to process 60,000 tonnes or more per year to recover recyclable materials. Construction work has already begun. Future for the Nambour precinct also include options for a:
- second-hand market or tip shop to contribute to the reuse economy
- landfill gas to energy plant. The plant would generate power and prevent greenhouse gas emissions being released into the atmosphere.
The Sunshine Coast Waste Strategy 2023 has been developed to align with Commonwealth, State, and SEQ Region policies and plans, focusing on the provision of sustainable, well-planned infrastructure and services that consider the needs of the expanding community and rapidly evolving waste industry changes.