Redlands Coast households are being urged to stay on Santa’s nice list this Christmas — by keeping a lid on festive waste as bins fill fast over the holiday period.
Redland City Council says rubbish levels traditionally spike over December and January, driving up disposal costs and putting extra pressure on landfill.
Mayor Jos Mitchell said the numbers from last festive season were eye-opening.
“More than 8400 tonnes of waste was generated through household red-lid bins on Redlands Coast for the combined December 2024 and January 2025 period,” the Mayor said.
“This was a monthly increase of 18 per cent on the average amount of general waste generated across the rest of 2024 and resulted in total disposal costs of $1.28 million in just two months.
“Being mindful of your waste and ensuring you recycle correctly can help mitigate these costs and assist with creating a more sustainable future for Redlands Coast.”
Waste and Recycling Portfolio representative Cr Tracey Huges said residents didn’t have to go it alone, with tools available to help households clean up their act.
“The Recycle Mate smartphone app is a great option for anyone who wants to get their household recycling in order,” Cr Huges said.
“You can also refer to Council’s A-Z recycling guide, which can be kept on your fridge or near a recycling bin for easy reference.
“This will help with ensuring the right items are being placed in the right bins and combined will significantly reduce the number of recyclables currently being lost to landfill.”
Council is also reminding residents that small changes — from smarter gift wrapping to careful food planning — can make a big difference during the festive rush.
Top tips for a waste-saving Christmas
- After unwrapping your gifts, place items such as wrapping paper and cardboard in your kerbside yellow-lid bin.
- Dispose of non-recyclable items such as cellophane, polystyrene, ribbons, bows and tinsel in your general waste bin.
- Soft plastics (bubble wrap, packets, wrappers and bags) can be taken for speciality recycling at participating Woolworths supermarkets.
- Consider reusing non-recyclable items for art and craft activities or store them away and use them for gift wrapping again next Christmas.
- Avoid single-use materials for gift wrapping and use a sustainable option such as cardboard gift boxes or a cloth wrap instead.
- Plan your Christmas food shopping carefully and buy only what you need to avoid waste.
- For leftover plant-based food scraps, consider starting a home compost, worm farm or bokashi bin with Council’s compost bin subsidy program.
- Avoid using single-use cutlery, plates and napkins.
- Recycle all empty cans and bottles in your household yellow-lid bin or take them to a Containers for Change refund point.
- If you need more space for recycling, consider upgrading to a 340 L bin for a small $30 establishment fee through Council’s better bin bundle program.
More information on household waste and recycling is available on Council’s website.
