Fraser Coast residents keen to learn what really happens after their yellow lid bin is emptied can now book a free guided tour of Council’s brand-new state-of-the-art Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in Maryborough.
Resource Recovery spokesperson, Councillor Zane O’Keefe said free public tours will be held monthly on the second Thursday of each month, with the first tour kicking off on Thursday 12 June, offering both morning and afternoon sessions.
“These tours are a great opportunity for locals to see the recycling process up close, learn how to sort like a pro, and gain a clearer understanding of what truly belongs in the yellow-lid bin,” he said.
“The new $31 million facility is three times the size of the former site at Dundowran and features an elevated education room where participants can view the inner workings of the recycling process in real-time.
“This facility is capable of processing up to 12 tonnes per hour of mixed recyclables from kerbside recycling bins.
“With new technology capable of sorting materials faster and more accurately than ever before, this facility shows how far we’ve come in creating a cleaner, greener future.”
Cr O’Keefe said educating the community about how recycling works helps build a stronger culture of sustainability and encourages better habits that make a real difference.
“This is about more than just bins. It’s about changing behaviours, reducing waste, and empowering people – especially our younger generations – to make informed choices every day,” he said.
Tour participants will learn about what can and can’t be recycled, the journey of recyclables once they leave the kerb, and how good sorting practices at home can help reduce contamination and landfill.
“The tours have always been popular during school holidays, but with our new education room now up and running, we’re excited to offer them year-round to help the community better understand what belongs in the recycling bin and where it all goes,” Cr O’Keefe said.
“Tours are free and open to all ages, with each session lasting one and a half hours and including a light morning tea. Attendees must wear closed-in shoes, and the facility is accessible via stairs or lift.”
