With more than 2,500 mattresses dumped each year on the Southern Downs, Council will engage an external contractor to periodically shred mattresses to reduce their volume by up to 85 percent as part of a sustainable recycling program that already addresses environmental obligations from the disposal of fridges and air conditioners.

To subsidise the cost of the new service and place downward pressure on rates for all residents, a fee of $15 will apply for the disposal of each mattress and $12 for each fridge, freezer and air conditioning unit.

Southern Downs Director Planning and Environmental Services Scott Riley said

“Council is committed to finding the best possible waste management solutions that will support the future growth of our region and we must address the immediate and pressing need to manage waste responsibly whilst investigating more longterm sustainable waste disposal practices.

“By separating the metal springs from the foam in mattresses, we can repurpose the metal and compact the foam to extend landfill capacity, which is reflective of industry best practice.

“As Council, we are also responsible for the environmental management of air conditioners, freezers and refrigerator gas disposal and employ a qualified contractor to appropriately collect and recycle the gas from each unit before it is placed in the scrap metal stockpile.

“This service comes at a cost to Council and therefore a decision to move to a user pay system for disposal of these items has been adopted beginning 31 July 2023.” Mr Riley said.

Council is required to degas fridges, freezers and air conditioners to meet environmental obligations. Old fridges and freezers must be disposed of correctly so they can be degassed. Refrigerant is a very harmful greenhouse gas which is released into the atmosphere when these items are dumped or sent to scrap metal without being degassed.

This article appeared in the Allora Advertiser, 26 July 2023.