Queensland's waste crisis is spiraling out of control, and it’s a problem we can no longer ignore. While the state’s population is growing, the amount of waste being generated is skyrocketing at an even faster pace, leaving us with a mounting environmental challenge. In the 2024-25 financial year alone, Queensland produced a staggering 10.25 million tonnes of waste—a 4.5% increase from the previous year, equivalent to an extra 440,000 tonnes of rubbish. To put that in perspective, this growth far outstrips the state’s 2.3% population increase during the same period. But here’s where it gets even more alarming: despite efforts to divert waste from landfills, progress has been painfully slow.
A recent state government report reveals that only 57.8% of all waste was recovered and diverted from landfill, a marginal improvement from the 57.1% recorded in 2023-24. While commercial, industrial, construction, and demolition waste saw slight increases in recovery rates—with 55.8% and 85% diverted, respectively—municipal solid waste, which includes household rubbish, remains a major concern. The recovery rate for this category stands at a mere 28.2%, barely budging from the previous year’s 28.3%. Since 2019-20, the proportion of municipal waste diverted from landfill has stubbornly remained below 30%, highlighting a systemic issue that demands urgent attention.
And this is the part most people miss: the targets set by the former state Labor government in 2019—such as recovering 55% of municipal solid waste and diverting 65% of commercial and industrial waste by 2025—have fallen woefully short. While the goal to divert 75% of construction and demolition waste has been achieved, it’s a small victory in the face of broader failures. The current LNP government is now reviewing Queensland’s waste strategy, including targets and the waste levy, with a draft strategy released for consultation last year. Environment Minister Andrew Powell emphasized the government’s commitment to reversing the landfill trend, stating, ‘We’re already working with local councils and industry to boost recycling across the state. The final waste strategy will focus on delivery—lifting recycling rates and reducing environmental impacts.’
However, not everyone is convinced. Alison Price, CEO of the Waste and Recycling Industry of Queensland, points out that the state’s cheap landfill costs have created a complacency among residents. ‘Once something goes into the wheelie bin and onto the curb, it becomes someone else’s problem,’ she explains. ‘Until it starts costing Queenslanders more, we won’t see significant changes in behavior.’ Price stresses that the new waste strategy must be bold and decisive, urging the government to make tough choices to address the crisis.
But here’s the controversial question: Is it fair to place the burden solely on residents, or should industries and policymakers take more responsibility for the waste they generate? As Queensland grapples with this growing problem, one thing is clear: the time for action is now. What do you think? Are we doing enough, or is it time for a radical shift in how we manage waste? Let’s spark the conversation in the comments below.
