How green waste is turned into free mulch

Did you know the green waste from the community is recycled into a valuable resource? The garden waste collected from your green bin, or dropped off at Resource Recovery Centres, is made into mulch that residents can collect and use on their gardens for free.  

You can pick up free coarse mulch from Sunshine Coast Resource Recovery Centres.  

By using mulch, you’re not only improving your garden, but you’re also keeping organic materials out of landfill and supporting a more sustainable future by closing the loop on garden waste.  

It’s a simple way to make your garden thrive while supporting sustainability in our region.   

How the mulch is created  

Each year, tens of thousands of tonnes of green waste is collected across the Sunshine Coast via your garden organics bin or dropped off by the trailer load at Council’s Resource Recovery Centres. The mulch available for you to collect is made from this garden waste.  

The green waste is carefully processed to become mulch for your gardens!  

• Collection: Garden waste is either self-hauled to the Resource Recovery Centres or collected as part of your garden organics bin service.  
• Contamination removal: The screening process removes contaminants including plastics and other non-organic materials.  
• Processing: The clean green waste is shredded under controlled conditions, creating mulch for garden use.   

Why mulch matters 

Mulch helps gardens thrive by keeping soil moist, reducing how often you need to water, and adding organic matter that improves soil health as it breaks down. It’s an easy way to create a waterwise garden while making the most of a free, locally recycled resource. 

How to access free mulch 

Residents can collect free coarse mulch from the Resource Recovery Centres across the Sunshine Coast.  

Simply bring your own trailer or containers and load up! Available until stocks last, so check Sunshine Coast Council’s website for details on locations and opening hours. Terms and conditions apply.