First free green waste disposal of the year

Clean up the yard and take advantage of Council’s first free green waste disposal of the year from this weekend.

Available from Saturday 14 February to Sunday 22 February, it provides a timely opportunity to clean up overgrown yards.

Trimming trees and overhanging branches is an important part of preparing for weather events like cyclones.

Getting rid of excessive vegetation can also reduce mosquitoes breeding spots in the yard.

Residents are also reminded that it was important to dispose of garden waste correctly.

Dumping green waste in drains, or in areas where it can be washed into drains, can cause blockages that can lead to flooding during heavy rain.

Three more free green waste disposal periods are scheduled this year:

• 16-24 May
• 15-23 August
• 14-22 November

Residents taking advantage of this month’s free green waste disposal period can make a voluntary gold coin donation, which will support The Agile Project – Wildlife Rescue.

A registered, non-profit charity based in Far North Queensland the organisation focuses on rescuing and rehabilitating native wildlife under the guidance of ecologist Shai Ager.

Originally founded as The Agile Wallaby Project in 2017 by Ms Ager, it established protocols for the relocation of large-scale macropods, particularly wallabies from Trinity Beach.

Today, The Agile Project includes a team of more than 150 volunteers who rescue and rehabilitate native wildlife in Cairns and surrounding areas.

Residential green waste can be dropped off free of charge from 14-22 February at the Portsmith, Smithfield, Gordonvale, and Babinda Transfer Stations, seven days a week, from 8.30am to 5.15pm.

Note: this offer is for domestic cars, utilities and/or trailers and light trucks (vehicle weight to GVM 4.5 tonnes). Normal rates apply for disposal of any other waste during this period, including green waste from garden maintenance contractors on behalf of residents.