The coronavirus pandemic caused the cancellation of Brisbane’s kerbside collection in mid-2020, saving the council $13 million over two years. However, the service was reinstated in July 2021, providing convenience for residents unable to take bulky items to the dump. The service is seen as a way to promote re-use and upcycling, reducing landfill waste and allowing residents to declutter for free. While some suggest having kerbside collection twice a year, the current cost of $37 million over the next four years may make this unfeasible.
In contrast to Brisbane, residents of Moreton Bay do not have free mass kerbside collection and must haul their own trash to the tip. The council discontinued an on-demand collection service for bulky items in October 2022 due to low usage, with only eight households a month taking advantage of the service. The cost of maintaining the service was deemed too high for the low uptake, leading to its discontinuation.
The Tour de Brisbane, a popular cycling event, may hinder salvaging opportunities as many roads will be closed during the event. While it may seem extreme to pick through kerbside rubbish semi-professionally, there are plenty of other times throughout the year when individuals may come across discarded items in their own neighborhoods. The legality of taking items left for collection by passers-by is not specifically regulated, with no complaints regarding this practice received by the council.
Overall, the kerbside collection service in Brisbane offers a convenient way for residents to dispose of bulky items and promotes re-use and upcycling. The reinstatement of the service in 2021 has been well-received by the community, despite the high cost associated with maintaining it. While Moreton Bay residents do not have access to free mass kerbside collection, there are other opportunities for salvaging discarded items in their region. The Tour de Brisbane may pose some challenges for salvaging during the event, but there are still plenty of opportunities for individuals to find discarded treasures throughout the year.
