West End to Join Brisbane’s Expanding Food Waste Recycling Initiative

The expansion of Brisbane’s food waste recycling service will include more than 5,290 new households, with West End being a key area in this initiative. 



Residents along designated collection routes in West End will be directly contacted regarding their inclusion in the service. Households with existing green waste recycling bins will receive caddies, and those without can request a green bin from the Council. Residents in multi-unit dwellings can apply for the service, with eligibility assessed on a case-by-case basis.

This plan is a part of the Council’s “Towards Zero Waste” strategy, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of waste and enhance Brisbane’s reputation as a clean, green, and sustainable city.

Expansion Details

Set to commence from 1 Feb 2024, the expansion will add to the 7,000 households already benefiting from the service since its launch in March 2022. The added areas covered in this phase include Carina, Carina Heights, Norman Park, Westlake, New Farm, East Brisbane, and notably, West End. 

“Brisbane is renowned as a clean, green and sustainable destination and our Council team is determined to maintain and enhance that reputation,” Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner highlighted the importance of this initiative. 

To avoid issues faced by other councils, Brisbane City Council is taking a careful approach to the rollout. This includes ensuring the proper infrastructure for converting food waste into compost and keeping residents well-informed about recycling guidelines to minimize contamination. 

“We’ve already introduced food waste recycling to thousands of Brisbane households and as part of the strategy we committed to expanding this service citywide over the next four years,” said Cr Schrinner​​.

West End food waste recycling

Public Feedback and Strategy Consultation

The Council will open public consultation on the draft “Towards Zero Waste Strategy” from 24 Nov to 24 Dec 2023. This strategy includes several initiatives like rebates for incinerators, support for compost bins and worm farms, the introduction of community-based recycling hubs, and new park recycling bins. 

“Our Towards Zero Waste strategy is all about helping residents recycle more while also reducing the impost from the State Government’s waste levy which continues to increase year-on-year,” Cr Schrinner emphasised​​.

The initiative aims to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, thereby decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and transforming food scraps into valuable compost. 



“You will be helping to reduce food and garden waste going to landfill where it produces greenhouse gases. Your food waste will also be turned into valuable compost that will be used on farms, gardens, and in public spaces,” the Council explained.

Published 4-Dec-2023