The Sunshine Coast is on the brink of introducing a state-of-the-art Material Recycling Facility (MRF) at a cost of A$40.5 million. Set to commence operations by the year-end, this facility is capable of processing over 60 thousand metric tons of recyclables annually, encompassing aluminum cans, glass bottles, plastic containers, cardboard, paper, and steel.
The MRF’s cutting-edge intelligent sorting technology, coupled with expanded recycling capabilities, is poised to significantly enhance recycling outcomes while reducing waste sent to landfills. This groundbreaking initiative holds the potential to create new prospects within the circular economy, setting the stage for downstream market innovations.
During a recent Ministerial Environmental Round Table event on the Sunshine Coast, Environment Minister Leanne Linard, along with local officials including Member for Nicklin Rob Skelton, Mayor Mark Jamieson, and Environment & Liveability Portfolio Councillor Maria Suarez, toured the new facility.
This MRF marks a noteworthy milestone as South East Queensland’s inaugural new-build recycling plant and signifies the most substantial investment in publicly-owned recycling infrastructure in the last decade. The project materialized through a collaborative funding arrangement among various levels of government, including a A$22 million contribution from the Palaszczuk Government’s Recycling and Jobs Fund, A$13.5 million from the Sunshine Coast Council, and $5 million from the Albanese Government’s Recycling Modernisation Fund.
Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek MP underscored the significance of such initiatives, stating, “Our funding is supporting new recycling infrastructure as well as helping regional communities in Queensland recycle more of their waste. We want to better protect nature and reverse decline for our kids and grandkids – and that takes all levels of Government working together.”
The facility’s advanced capabilities extend to achieving exceptional recycling purity levels, boasting an impressive 98% purity for sorted materials, including aluminum cans. Member for Nicklin, Rob Skelton, commended the collaborative effort, stating, “The facility will sort glass bottles and jars, paper, cardboard, plastics, steel cans, and aluminum cans from household and business yellow-lidded bins at 98 per cent purity – the highest quality of any Australian recycling facility.”
As the Sunshine Coast prepares to inaugurate this cutting-edge MRF, it marks a significant leap towards fortifying recycling endeavors, aligning with both local and national environmental objectives.
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