Waste disposal and acceptance

In order to help us maximise recycling, residents and businesses are encouraged to sort your load before visiting the waste facility.

Click here for more information on the range of free recycling initiatives available.

The below table highlights the waste disposal categories, where they are accepted, and if they are a chargeable item or free for disposal.

Waste Acceptance Table as of 3 Feb 2025


Items accepted at the Qunaba Waste Management Facility have changed.

From 3 February 2025 waste no longer accepted at the Qunaba Waste Management Facility includes:

  • commercial general, construction and demolition waste (loads greater than 3 m3 and vehicles over 8 t GVM)
  • agricultural plastic
  • concrete
  • clean course fill
  • dead animals
  • dirty fill
  • contaminated trickle tape

These items can be disposed of at the Bundaberg Waste Management Facility.


Some waste disposal items are not accepted if generated outside the Bundaberg Regional Council area:

  • asbestos and materials containing asbestos
  • regulated wastes - category 1 and 2
  • controlled authorised materials (wet) e.g. foundry sands, dusty loads
  • some contaminated soils

Waste tracking - commercial operators

The following regulated waste items require waste tracking if transported and disposed of by a business or commercial operator:

  • asbestos or asbestos contaminated soils and materials
  • food processing wastes
  • lead acid batteries
  • tyres

Click here for further information on waste tracking obligations.

    Items to declare

    Declare these items when entering the waste facility.

    Please be aware your load may be inspected when attending a waste facility.(PDF, 190KB)

    Ammunition and explosives

    Ammunition and explosive devices of any type are prohibited from all Council waste and recycling facilities.

    Explosives are dangerous and can present risks to our staff and the community if they are not disposed or surrendered in a safe and secure manner, and may become more dangerous as they deteriorate with age.

    Click here for more information on how to correctly dispose of ammunition and explosives.

    Batteries

    Batteries can be recycled at all Council waste facilities. Batteries are the leading cause of fire in garbage trucks and landfill. Do not place batteries in your kerbside bin.

    Battery disposal and recycling guide

    Chemicals (domestic)

    Chemicals and hazardous items are accepted at our Bundaberg Waste Management Facility.

    • domestic chemicals only
    • disposal limit 5 L containers maximum

    Chemical disposal guide

    Fuel is not accepted at any Council waste facility.

    eWaste (electronic waste)

    eWaste (electronic waste) is accepted for recycling at all Councils waste facilities. If it has a plug it's free to recycle!

    eWaste recycling guide

    Fluorescent tubes and bulbs

    Fluorescent tubes and light bulbs can be recycled at Council waste facilities.

    Fluorocycle recycling guide

    Fridge, freezer and air conditioners

    Fridges, freezers and air conditioners are accepted free for disposal at all council waste facilities.

    Please remove any unwanted food items from your fridge or freezer to avoid disposal fees.

    Gas bottles

    Most gas bottles are accepted for disposal at a number of our waste facilities. LPG gas bottles must be empty prior to disposal.

    Gas bottles not accepted:

    • Acetylene welding gas bottles
    • BOC labelled gas bottles

    Mattresses

    Domestic mattresses are accepted free for disposal at all Councils waste facilities.

    Oils and liquids

    Waste oils are accepted for disposal at a number of Councils waste facilities. This includes engine and cooking oils.  

    Fuel is not accepted at any Council waste facility.

    Paint

    Paint is accepted free for disposal.

    Paint disposal guide

    Tyres

    Tyres are accepted for disposal at a number of Council waste facilities.