Ipswich City Council has pledged to start recycling again, announcing an "interim solution" to its rubbish problem after its decision to cease recycling sparked a major furore.
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The council will look to hire a short-term recycling contractor, for up to six months, so it can stop dumping recycling from residents' yellow top bins in landfill.
Just two days ago, Ipswich mayor Andrew Antoniolli said the city had ceased recycling, arguing contractor costs would have risen by $2 million per year, equating to a 1.5 to 2 per cent rate rise for residents, as a result of a Chinese clampdown on imported recyclable material.
It was later revealed recycling had been taken to landfill for four weeks before residents were informed.
Cr Antoniolli also blamed the city's unacceptably high "contamination rate" in yellow top bins, with 52 per cent of materials unable to be recycled.
In contrast, in Brisbane, 93 per cent of materials placed in yellow top bins are able to be recycled.
In a statement released on Friday afternoon, Cr Antoniolli said the council had been upfront with the people.
"We have proudly sparked a national debate on council waste management practice," he said.
"This is an issue of global significance, and our position is strong."
Cr Antoniolli said the short-term contract was an interim solution, but it was now up to the people of Ipswich to ensure they were using yellow top bins properly.
"That means the amount of rubbish in yellow top bins must be recyclable," he said.
"At present there are quite simply too many pizza boxes, plastic bags, burger wrappers and other items not fit for recycling.
"This has never been an issue solely of money."
Cr Antoniolli also released an "open letter to the people of Ipswich", stating the city's stop on recycling has been "as unavoidable as it has disappointing for us all".
"It is also important to know that we're hearing you loud and clear, and we know you want a clean and green future," he said.
