Keep Queensland Beautiful launches Redlands Coast War on Waste series

The events will see volunteers from the organisation and the Redlands community picking up rubbish in parks and recreation areas around the city.

Keep Queensland Beautiful CEO David Curtin said Queensland was the most littered mainland state of Australia according to the National Litter Index, and litter issues on the Redlands Coast were a growing concern.

“Our litter counts conducted over the past 24 months indicated an increase in litter across sites in the Redlands, plus (an) increase in illegal dumping reports to our office,” Mr Curtin said.

“A keen interest from locals has led to the creation of the War on Waste events.”

Mr Curtin said in the past regular community clean ups conducted by Keep Queensland Beautiful had been successful in reducing the amount of litter over time.

“We find the more you involve the community in public clean ups, over a period of time, we have found it results in less litter,” he said. 

“Not litter-free, but less litter definitely.

“At the end of each cleanup, material is counted into waste streams so we can keep track of problem areas, see if any improvements have been achieved and what needs to be done locally to address the litter issue.”

He said Keep Queensland Beautiful had also started a Facebook group for residents to network and share stories.

Mr Curtin said volunteers did not need to RSVP, and were only required to show up on the day and sign in at the Keep Queensland Beautiful marquee.

Gloves, bags and pickup tools will be provided, but volunteers should bring their own water bottle, sun protection and appropriate footwear.

Each event will commence at 9am. For more information on War on Waste events, visit facebook.com/KeepQueenslandBeautiful/