27 August 2025
Confused about what goes in which bin? A recent study revealed that 20% of household waste in the Southern Downs could have been recycled but ended up in landfill, while 15% of recycling bins contained non-recyclable items.
To improve recycling outcomes across the region, Southern Downs Regional Council waste education mascot Sort-It Sally is encouraging residents to download the free Recycle Mate app.
“The Recycle Mate app is a smart, user-friendly digital tool designed to simplify waste sorting,” Sort-It Sally said.
“The app promotes sustainable living and can be used by everyone in the family to make informed recycling decisions wherever they are.”
Developed in collaboration with the Australian Council of Recycling and supported by government initiatives, Recycle Mate is used by 540 councils to curate individual datasets for each local government using an advanced AI image recognition database of over 7,500 items to deliver location-specific recycling advice, helping users make informed recycling decisions wherever they are.
Council’s spokesperson for Healthy Communities Cr Sarah Deane said the app is a game-changer for recycling and a practical solution to a common community challenge.
“We know our residents care about the environment, but recycling can be confusing,” Cr Deane said.
“Recycle Mate takes the guesswork out of waste disposal. It’s like having a recycling expert in your pocket—helping us reduce contamination, protect our environment and meet our sustainability goals.
“Whether you’re at home, visiting friends or on holiday, simply snap a photo or search for an item to find out how to dispose of it correctly—whether it belongs in your household bin or needs to be dropped off at a local recycling, repair or reuse facility.
“By embracing this technology, Southern Downs residents can play a vital role in reducing landfill, protecting the environment and building a more sustainable future.”
Key features of the Recycle Mate app include:
• Interactive maps showing nearby drop-off points for items like batteries, electronics, and chemicals
• Barcode scanning for instant recycling instructions on packaged goods
• Multilingual support in 89 languages to ensure accessibility across diverse communities
The Recycle Mate app is compatible for both Apple and Android devices. Visit https://www.sdrc.qld.gov.au/living-here/environment-water-waste/waste-recycling/recycle-mate for more information.
Last edited date 27 Aug 2025