Moreton Island waste services
Waste transfer stations are located on Moreton Island to assist residents with the disposal of general waste, recycling, and green waste.
Council works with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services, residents and visitors on Moreton Island to manage waste disposal and preserve the island's flora and fauna.
Transfer stations
General waste, recycling and green waste disposal services are available at the transfer stations within the townships of Bulwer, Cowan Cowan and Kooringal.
General waste disposal is also available at The Wrecks and Comboyuro Point.
Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year (including public holidays), the transfer stations are serviced weekly, or twice weekly during Christmas and Easter holidays.
General waste
- General waste bins are provided for the disposal of non-recyclable items.
- All household waste and small items are to be placed in the red-lidden bins provided.
- Close the bin lids after use.
Recycling
- Recyclable items are to be placed in the yellow-lidded bins.
- Close the bin lids after use.
Green waste
- All gardening waste is to be placed in the green waste collection area outside the transfer stations. Look for the designated collection area. Do not place green waste into general waste or recycling bins.
- Green waste is managed through controlled burns, to stop the spread of weeds and non-native flora.
- Building materials, car bodies, boats, water tanks and other oversized items are not accepted at the transfer stations at any time. These should be removed through private arrangements.
- Items left outside of bins can be classified as illegal dumping and offenders may be prosecuted.
- Large items (unwanted household furniture, white goods and mattresses) can be delivered to the transfer station during large item collection events.
Illegal dumping
Items not placed in the bins or designated areas may be considered illegal dumping. Waste not disposed of properly may incur a fine.
Illegal dumping or littering in other areas of the island, can be reported to the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation.
The Moreton Island transfer stations have CCTV cameras installed to allow Council to monitor the transfer stations daily to identify busier periods so services can be adjusted to suit demand.
CCTV will also record any illegal dumping activity within the transfer stations.
Large item collection
Large items for disposal can be delivered to the transfer stations during large item collection events. Events will occur 4 times a year during the designated school holiday periods at each transfer station.
During these events, 2 six cubic metre skips are provided by Council at the transfer stations which remain onsite for up to 2 weeks, or until full. The skip bins will be emptied and replaced during events if required.
All large items need to be placed in the skip bins provided.
- Bath and laundry tubs
- Bicycles
- Carpet and lino
- Furniture and white goods (fridges)
- Household appliances, including stoves
- Wood products
- Bricks and concrete
- Car parts and tyres
- Commercial builders' waste
- Dirt and stones
- Gas bottles
- General household waste (such as food scraps)
- Hazardous waste (such as chemicals, oil, asbestos)
- Household waste that normally goes into general waste or recycling bins
- Liquids
- Vegetation (for example trees, grass, potted plants)
Waste disposal for Moreton Island visitors
When planning your trip to the island, pack to minimise rubbish. Rubbish bins are located near The Wrecks and Comboyuro Point campgrounds. There are no bins on the eastern side of the island.
Rangers do not collect rubbish from camp sites and can issue on-the-spot fines for littering.
Secure all rubbish bags inside your vehicle when driving. Do not carry rubbish bags on your bull bar or outside of your vehicle, as bags tend to break and spread rubbish across the island's tracks.
Waste not disposed of properly may incur a fine. Fines for individuals can range from $322 to $3,226, while corporate fines can range from $1,613 to $12,097.