Mareeba Shire Council is calling on residents to have their say on the future of kerbside recycling and garden organic services for the Shire.
Council is finalising a seven-year contract which may start in December 2026 and is keen to hear from locals.
Mayor Angela Toppin is encouraging the community to take five minutes to complete a survey.
“The last survey on kerbside collection recycling was years ago, so it is the right time for residents to once again share their thoughts and consider what they would to pay for these new services,” Mayor Toppin said.
The contract offers options to introduce fortnightly kerbside recycling and/or garden organics (GO) services. Recycling waste would be transported to the Cairns Materials Recovery Facility for processing and the GO taken to Shark Recycling in Biboohra.
These additional services come at a cost and would only be available for areas which currently receive the general kerbside waste collection services – Mareeba, Kuranda, Julatten, Speewah, Dimbulah, Biboohra, Koah and Mt Molloy.
“Council’s final decision on the introduction of new kerbside collection services will be based on a balanced assessment of the survey feedback, financial and operational feasibility, and long-term community interests,” Mayor Toppin said.
“Details such as recycling contamination costs and waste education costs will also be considered.”
If these optional services are introduced, all households which receive the current kerbside collections would be included – it will not be an opt in or out choice per household.
The waste survey opens on Council’s website on Monday, 23 March and closes on Sunday, 12 April 2026 and a dedicated phone hotline has been set up – please call 4086 4910.
A frequently asked questions sheet is also available on Council’s website.
“The voices of our community are vital in guiding this long-term decision. My fellow Councillors and I encourage you to have your say and take part in this survey,” Mayor Toppin said.
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