Let's Talk Waste!

At our March meeting, we'll explore the issue of waste - both from Cyclone Alfred and everyday waste. This month's meeting will be held on Zoom.

Cyclone Alfred has highlighted issues with existing waste systems and will create massive amounts of flood-damaged waste. What can we learn from this event? Are there opportunities for change?

This month, we will continue to work with Regen Brisbane and The Shady Lanes Project to explore how we all might come together to play our part in creating a more sustainable future in our region.

Normal Waste Services

The first thing that happened when Cyclone Alfred was looming is our bin collection was cancelled. It was no drama for me who rarely has more than a small bag in the bottom of a big wheelie bin, moved into the garage so it doesn't blow away.

However, social media was full of panic from those who fill the bin every week. For them, cancellation means smelly, rotting rubbish with nowhere to go. BCC arranged special pickups on Sunday to get as many of the Thursday and Friday people who missed out as possible. Some were lucky, some missed out. Floods will determine who gets their pickups this week.

Waste from Cyclone Damage

As the days progress we get more scenes of damage.

Structural damage from the wind means that homes and other buildings will need repairs - and damaged materials sent to waste.

Rain and flood damage is even worse with the sodden contents of houses, carpets, curtains, furniture and more.

And then there is the food waste. Perishable food in our fridges and freezers lost due to power cuts will fill our bins. Even worse, when the local supermarket loses power, vast quantities of food need to be thrown out.

Even the non-perishables that we all bought to get us through tend to be highly packaged. Bottled water has become a necessity.

Where Do We Go From Here?

So what do we do now?

Do we rebuild, replace our damaged items, and resume life as before when the fine weather returns?

Or are there lessons we can learn? Adaptations we can make to reduce the impact and waste generated by increasing extreme weather events?

Can the ideas from Circular Economy and Doughnut Economics be applied to find models for a society that is more resilient to extreme weather events?

Is waste an isolated issue or is it a symptom of systemic issues?

What Can We Do?

Join us for this month’s meeting where we ask:

What if the decisions we make now as we come out of this disruption could set us on a better path with less waste?

What might we do as individuals, in our work, in our groups and organisations?

How might that affect the impact and outcomes of the next big weather event?

Might changes we make also reduce everyday waste?

Join the Workshop

The event we’d planned at the Bracken Ridge Library will now be held on Zoom.

What: Let's Talk Waste!
When: Sunday 16 March 2025. 3pm to 5pm
Where: ZOOM Register here for Zoom

It will be a similar format to our February meeting, adapted to zoom.
If you attended that meeting, please use the same handout and notes.
Otherwise, please register via our ACF page by Saturday afternoon so we can email you a copy.
The workshop will start at 3pm sharp. Zoom room will be open 10 minutes prior.
There will be articles written by participants afterwards but no recording will be made available.

Discussion and Comments

You are welcome to make comments and ask questions below.