September - Recycling & Waste Update

RECYCLING & WASTE NEWS

At a Glance

• 48.5 tonnes of recoverable materials xx
• 98.5 tonnes of landfill waste managed
• 1.7 tonnes of materials transported off-island for recovery
• 12.7kg of hard-to-recycle materials recovered through the Community Recycling Hubs during August
• 27 eligible drumMUSTER containers inspected
• 13 eligible bagMUSTER bags collected

Council's Waste Management team continues to improve recycling services and increase opportunities to recover useful materials across Flinders Island.

 

Agsafe Recycling Programs

Following feedback from local farmers, Council has increased access to drumMUSTER and bagMUSTER during the busy spring period.

From August to November, Agsafe-trained Council staff are available every Tuesday from 8.00 am to 11.00 am at the Whitemark Waste Facility to inspect and receive eligible agricultural chemical containers and polypropylene bags. The regular monthly collection also continues.

During August, 27 eligible drums were inspected and 13 polypropylene bags were collected.

Containers and bags must be correctly prepared and are inspected by trained staff before being accepted.

Read more: bagMUSTER and drumMUSTER

 

Community Recycling Hubs

The Community Recycling Hubs are getting a fresh look, with new icons being installed to make it easier to recognise what can be recycled through each program.

During August, the hubs recovered 12.7 kg of eligible materials, bringing the total diverted from landfill since launch to 672.46 kg.

The highest-performing programs to date are:

• Household Batteries: 223.7 kg
• Coffee Pods: 155.5 kg
• Printer Cartridges: 106.7 kg
• Hair Care: 33.4 kg
• Dish & Air Care: 27.8 kg

 

Other Recycling

The new motor oil shelter at the Whitemark Waste Facility is operational, providing a dedicated area for used household motor oil, oil filters and oily rags.

Bring used motor oil in a sealed container and place it on the bunded pallets for staff to safely decant.

During August, 800 litres of used cooking fat, 900 kilograms of e-waste and 10.7 kilograms of blister packs were transported off island for recovery.

Lead acid batteries were prepared for transport. Sorting and clearing also began in the e-waste section of the Whitemark Waste Facility to improve the storage and handling of electronic waste before it is transported off-island for recovery.

 

Giving Shed News

The Giving Shed continues to provide a valuable way for useful household items to find a second life.

Please help keep the space organised by:

• taking only items on display;
• leaving tubs, baskets and storage containers where they belong;
• returning items to where you found them; and
• donating only clean, usable items in good condition.

“If you wouldn't give it to a friend, please don't give it to the Shed.”

 

Coming Up: The Flammable Five

Flinders Council has joined waste operators and councils across Tasmania to promote The Flammable Five — batteries, e-waste, gas bottles, marine flares and vapes.

These items can cause fires in waste and recycling systems and must not be placed in general waste, hard waste, scrap metal or cardboard bins.

Information about safe disposal options on Flinders Island will be shared as part of the campaign.

Questions?

If you're unsure where something belongs, contact Waste Management:

[email protected]
0456 730 174

 

August - Recycling & Waste Update

At a Glance

• 5.76 tonnes of recoverable materials segregated
• 151 tonnes of landfill waste managed (excluding operational landfill cover material)
• 21 kg transported off-island for recovery
• 22 kg of hard-to-recycle materials recovered through Community Recycling Hubs

 

Facility Operations

Works began on the new motor oil shelter at the Lady Barron Transfer Station, which will provide a dedicated drop-off area for used motor oil, oil filters and oily rags. This project is supported by the Tasmanian Waste and Resource Recovery Board through the Tasmanian Government's High Priority Infrastructure Grants Program.

During the month, a traffic counter was also installed to monitor vehicle movements. The information collected will help Council better understand how the site is being used and support future planning.

Routine waste transfer, landfill management and servicing of recycling infrastructure continued throughout the month.

 

Recycling & Resource Recovery

Community Recycling Hubs recovered 22 kilograms of eligible products during June, bringing the total amount diverted through the program to 659.77 kilograms since it began.

 

Top Recycling Hub Programs

• Household Batteries — 218.2 kg
• Coffee Pods — 154.6 kg
• Printer Cartridges — 103 kg
• Hair Care — 32 kg
• Dish & Air Care — 27 kg

 

Last Month's Focus – Plastic Free July

Throughout July, Flinders Council recognised the now global initiative, which began in Western Australia in 2011 as a simple challenge to reduce single-use plastics.

During the month, we shared some of the ways Council staff, local businesses and community members are already reducing waste, including reusable mugs, shopping alternatives, homemade yoghurt and our public water refill station.

Thank you to everyone who shared their ideas and helped show that small everyday actions can make a difference on Flinders Island.

 

Looking Ahead – drumMUSTER & bagMUSTER

Agsafe Recycling – We’ve Made It Easier

Throughout August, Flinders Council will be running a drumMUSTER and bagMUSTER campaign to make it easier for farmers to recycle eligible agricultural plastics.

For most farmers, the job is already 90% done once the chemical has been used. The final step is making sure eligible containers are clean and ready for recycling.

We’ve listened to feedback from our farming community. Spring is one of the busiest times of year on Flinders Island farms, so from August to November, Agsafe-trained Council staff will be available at the Whitemark Waste Facility every Tuesday from 8.00 am to 11.00 am to inspect and receive eligible materials.

You can bring:

✔ Eligible and clean AgVet chemical containers through drumMUSTER
✔ Eligible and empty woven polypropylene bags through bagMUSTER

The regular first Wednesday of every month drumMUSTER collection will continue, and bulk drumMUSTER loads can still be arranged by appointment.

The cost of recycling through these national programs is already incorporated into the price of the product, so there is no additional charge when eligible containers and bags are accepted through the program.

It’s not another job to add to the list — it’s simply the final step in preparing your containers for recycling.

We’re making it easier to do the right thing while supporting national recycling programs.

 

July - Recycling & Waste Update

At a Glance

• 11.75 tonnes of recoverable materials segregated
• 87.2 tonnes of landfill waste managed (excluding operational landfill cover material)
• 1.88 tonnes transported off-island for recovery
• 12.34 kg of hard-to-recycle materials recovered through Community Recycling Hubs
• 290,305 drink containers returned through Recycle Rewards in its first year
• 387 kilograms of household hazardous waste safely recovered

 

Facility Operations

Several practical improvements were completed at the Whitemark Waste Facility during June as work continues to improve safety, efficiency and recycling services.

The new motor oil shelter is now operational, providing a dedicated drop-off area for used motor oil, oil filters and oily rags. This project was supported by the Tasmanian Waste and Resource Recovery Board through the Tasmanian Government's High Priority Infrastructure Grants Program.

The Recycle Rewards reverse vending machine and shipping container have been relocated next to the entry office, where the new location provides better protection from the weather and improves servicing.

Routine waste transfer, landfill management and servicing of recycling infrastructure continued throughout the month. Landfill cover was also carted to the facility to ensure waste was regularly covered in accordance with the EPA best practice, helping to minimise windblown litter at the facility.

 

Recycling & Resource Recovery

June was a busy month for resource recovery across the island.

The annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection recovered 387 kilograms of household chemicals, helping keep potentially harmful products out of landfill and ensuring they could be safely recovered or disposed of through specialist facilities.

The drumMUSTER collection also saw 259 eligible drums transported to Tasmania for recycling, while 1,800 litres of used motor oil were sent to Bridport for recycling. Bulk polypropylene bags collected through bagMUSTER were baled in preparation for transport.

Community Recycling Hubs recovered 12.34 kilograms of eligible products during June, bringing the total amount diverted through the program to 637.24 kilograms since it began.

Top Recycling Hub Programs

• Household Batteries — 206.7 kg
• Coffee Pods — 151.6 kg
• Printer Cartridges — 100 kg
• Hair Care — 32 kg
• Dish & Air Care — 27 kg

 

This Month's Focus: Food Care Recycling

Did you know many kitchen food storage products can be recycled through the Community Recycling Hubs? Freezer bags, resealable food bags and cling wrap from any brand can be dropped off at the hubs for specialised recycling.

Before recycling, please make sure items are:

• ✔ Empty
• ✔ Clean and dry
• ✔ Free from food residue

Accepted at:

• Whitemark Waste Facility
• Walkers IGA Community Recycling Hub

Small actions in the kitchen can make a big difference to reducing landfill.

 

Celebrating One Year of Recycle Rewards

The Recycle Rewards reverse vending machine has now been operating on Flinders Island for one year.

During its first 12 months, the community returned an incredible 290,305 eligible drink containers, including:

• 224,776 aluminium cans
• 47,074 glass bottles
• 17,626 plastic bottles
• 826 drink cartons

Thank you to everyone who has supported the program and helped recover valuable materials while reducing litter across the island.

 

Looking Ahead

Planning continues for staged improvements at the Whitemark Waste Facility, including future traffic flow changes that will support the ongoing development of the new Sorting Shed and improved recycling services.

 

June - Recycling & Waste Update

At A Glance:

• • 6.92 tonnes of recoverable materials
  • 114.99 tonnes of landfill waste managed
  • 10.60kg of hard-to-recycle materials recovered through hubs

 

Facility Improvements & Service Updates

New entry signage has now been installed at the Whitemark, Killiecrankie and Lady Barron waste facilities to help the community and visitors identify what materials can be accepted at each site.

Work continued on future improvements at the Whitemark Waste Facility, including staff consultation on proposed traffic flow and site layout changes. These discussions will help inform the final design as work on the new Sorting Shed nears completion

Routine waste transfer, landfill management and servicing of recycling infrastructure continued throughout the month.

 

Recycling & Resource Recovery

The community recycling hubs recovered 10.60 kg of eligible materials during the month, bringing the total diversion from landfill to 624.90 kg since launch.

Behind the scenes, materials continued to be prepared for recycling and recovery, including baling agricultural bulk bags, palletising lead-acid batteries and processing used cooking oil and motor oil for transport off-island.

 

Giving Shed Update

The Giving Shed has come a long way thanks to the efforts of volunteers, staff and community members who help keep the space organised and welcoming.

Recent improvements include dedicated donation bins, clearer sorting systems, and items being sorted by type and size to make it easier for people to find what they need.

To help keep the Giving Shed working well for everyone, please:

• Donate clean, usable items in good condition
• Place donations in the designated bins
• Return items to their place after browsing
• Leave tubs, baskets and storage boxes where they are

A tidy and organised shed is safer, easier to use and helps more items be reused.

 

Remember:
If you wouldn't give it to a friend, please don't give it to the Shed.

Thank you to everyone who helps make the Giving Shed a valuable community resource.

 

May - Recycling & Waste Update

At A Glance:

• 22 tonnes of recoverable materials segregated
• 94 tonnes of landfill waste managed
• 35 tonnes transported off-island for recovery
• 54 kg of hard-to-recycle materials recovered through hubs
• Improvements to the Giving Shed
• 1 new recycling program – bagMUSTER

Facility Operations

Recyclables and waste continued to be transported from Killiecrankie and Lady Barron to the Whitemark Waste Facility for processing. Routine landfill management, servicing of recycling hubs and maintenance of the Recycle Rewards system continued throughout the month.

The perimeter fence at the Whitemark Waste Facility was completed to improve site safety and support regulatory compliance. Work is also progressing on the new resource recovery shed and supporting infrastructure.

Recycling & Resource Recovery

A total of 3.35 tonnes of materials were transported off-island for recovery during April, including lead-acid batteries, used cooking fat, aluminium and printer cartridges.

The community recycling hubs recovered 13.54 kg of eligible materials during the month, bringing the total diversion from landfill to 609.03 kg since launch.

Giving Shed Improvements

New systems have recently been introduced at the Giving Shed to help keep the space tidy, safe and easier to use.

Donation bins are now located at the front of the shed for:

• Clothes & shoes
• Homewares, books & toys
• Manchester

Items are now checked and sorted by type and size, helping visitors find what they need more easily while reducing build-up and trip hazards.

Remember:
If you wouldn’t give it to a friend, please don’t give it to the Shed.

bagMUSTER Now Available

Eligible agricultural and animal feed bags can now be brought to the Whitemark Waste Facility for recycling through the bagMUSTER program.

Accepted bags include:
• Fertiliser bags
• Seed bags
• Grain bags
• Stock feed bags
• Pet food bags

Eligible bags can be identified by their woven texture.

Before bringing bags in:
✔ Empty and shake out all contents
✔ Remove liners and attachments
✔ Roll or fold bags neatly

Bags will be checked on arrival to ensure they meet program requirements.

More information is available at bagmuster.org.au

Upcoming Event

• Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off – June 14 & 15

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April Recycling & Waste Update

At A Glance:

• 11.22 tonnes of recoverable materials segregated
• 125.94 tonnes of landfill waste managed
• 3.35 tonnes transported off-island for recovery
• 13.54 kg of hard-to-recycle materials recovered through hubs
• Improvements to the Giving Shed
• 1 new recycling program – bagMUSTER

 

Facility Operations

Recyclables and waste continued to be transported from Killiecrankie and Lady Barron to the Whitemark Waste Facility for processing. Routine landfill management, servicing of recycling hubs and maintenance of the Recycle Rewards system continued throughout the month.

The perimeter fence at the Whitemark Waste Facility was completed to improve site safety and support regulatory compliance. Work is also progressing on the new resource recovery shed and supporting infrastructure.

 

Recycling & Resource Recovery

A total of 3.35 tonnes of materials were transported off-island for recovery during April, including lead-acid batteries, used cooking fat, aluminium and printer cartridges.

The community recycling hubs recovered 13.54 kg of eligible materials during the month, bringing the total diversion from landfill to 609.03 kg since launch.

 

Giving Shed Improvements

New systems have recently been introduced at the Giving Shed to help keep the space tidy, safe and easier to use.

Donation bins are now located at the front of the shed for:

• Clothes & shoes
• Homewares, books & toys
• Manchester

Items are now checked and sorted by type and size, helping visitors find what they need more easily while reducing build-up and trip hazards.

Remember:
If you wouldn’t give it to a friend, please don’t give it to the Shed.

 

bagMUSTER Now Available

Eligible agricultural and animal feed bags can now be brought to the Whitemark Waste Facility for recycling through the bagMUSTER program.

Accepted bags include:
• Fertiliser bags
• Seed bags
• Grain bags
• Stock feed bags
• Pet food bags

Eligible bags can be identified by their woven texture.

Before bringing bags in:
✔ Empty and shake out all contents
✔ Remove liners and attachments
✔ Roll or fold bags neatly

Bags will be checked on arrival to ensure they meet program requirements.

More information is available at bagmuster.org.au

Upcoming Event

• Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off – June 14 & 15

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March Recycling & Waste Update

At A Glance:

• 11.05 tonnes of recyclable materials segregated
• 117.63 tonnes of landfill waste managed
• 900 kg of e-waste transported off-island for recovery
• 12.08 kg of hard-to-recycle materials recovered through the hubs
• 3000 containers recycled through a Cash-4-Cans event
• 1 new recycling program – Vape Recycling

 

Facility and Operations

Recyclables and waste continued to be transported from Killiecrankie and Lady Barron to the Whitemark Waste Facility for processing.

The landfill and recycling facilities were routinely managed to maintain safe, efficient and environmentally responsible operations, with regular servicing of recycling hubs and the Recycle Rewards machine.

Improvement works are continuing at the Whitemark Waste Facility, including the new recycling shed and supporting infrastructure. This is an important step in strengthening local recycling capacity and improving how materials are handled on the island. Changes will be introduced in stages. More information will be shared as progress continues.

Council also recently hosted a visit from the Recycle Rewards network manager, providing an opportunity to review system performance and support ongoing improvements to the service.

 

Recycling & Resource Recovery

Our community recycling hubs recovered 12.08 kg of eligible materials in March, bringing the total diverted from landfill to 594.49 kg since launch.

This effort is supported by strong community participation, including a recent Cash-4-Cans event where around 3,000 containers were sorted and recycled with the help of local volunteers. In addition, 900 kg of e-waste, collected over recent months, was transported off-island for specialised recovery.

Every item diverted helps keep valuable materials in use and reduces what ends up in landfill.

 

Vape Recycling Now Available

You can now recycle vapes (e-cigarettes) at our IGA and Whitemark Waste Facility Recycling Hubs.

Vapes contain a mix of materials, including plastics, metals and a built-in lithium battery. When placed in general waste, these batteries can become damaged and start fires during collection or processing.

Please:

• Do not place vapes in household bins
• Recycle them through designated collection points

 

bagMUSTER Program Coming Soon

A review of agricultural bulk bag recycling programs has been completed, with bagMUSTERidentified as the most suitable option for Flinders Island.

The program offers strong support for the community and covers off-island freight, making it a practical and accessible option.

More information on how to participate will be shared in May.

 

Upcoming Events

• bagMUSTER information session – May
• Household Hazardous Waste Collection – June

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February Recycling & Waste Update

It’s been another steady month behind the scenes keeping our waste and recycling systems running smoothly across the Island.

From Killiecrankie and Lady Barron, waste and recyclables continue to be transported through to Whitemark for sorting and processing. At the landfill, the team has been actively managing the site, compacting and covering waste to keep things safe, tidy and environmentally responsible.

Our recycling hubs and Recycle Rewards machine have been regularly serviced and are continuing to see great community use. A trial recycling hub at the Lady Barron Store wrapped up this month, helping us better understand what works best for different locations across the Island.

There’s also been good progress on infrastructure, with the new recycling shed taking shape and the horizontal baler now moved into place — a great step forward in improving how we handle and process materials locally.

Recycling in Action
A total of 59.25 tonnes of material was shipped off-Island for recovery this month, including scrap metal, lead-acid batteries and used cooking oil — a strong result for a small community.

Our recycling hubs collected 11.6kg of eligible items in February, bringing the total diverted from landfill to over 583kg since launch. A small amount of ineligible material (1kg) was also received, which is a good reminder for all of us to check what can and can’t go into the program.

The top items being recycled through the hubs continue to be:
• Batteries (184.4kg)
• Coffee pods (138.22kg)
• Printer cartridges (94.3kg)
• Hair care products (31.2kg)
• Dish and air care packaging (25.5kg)

Every item diverted is a small win that adds up over time.

Thanks to everyone who is sorting, recycling and doing their bit — it really does make a difference. 💚