Reuse and recycle at the Rocky Swap

Published on 05 August 2016

This Saturday, more than ten thousand people are expected to descend on the Rockhampton Showgrounds in search of a treasure or two at the iconic Rocky Swap event.

Committee Chair for Waste, Councillor Neil Fisher said it’s an event Council is proud to support.

“The Rocky Swap is one of Australia’s top swap events, with people from across the country selling their second or third-hand wares. It’s a perfect way to reuse or upcycle a pre-loved item, pick up a bargain and it also helps reduce landfill at the same time,” Cr Fisher said.  

“A local garage sale can reduce around six trollies worth of items heading into our local landfill so it’s fantastic to think of what this kind of event is doing for our Region.”

Taking the concept further, Cr Fisher said Rockhampton Regional Waste and Recycling will also be present at the event rewarding attendees for recycling.

“This popular annual event will be one of the first where recycling bins will be placed throughout the grounds to encourage people on the day to recycle. Our staff will also be wandering around presenting gifts to people who use the recycling bins correctly,” he said. 

Rotary of Rockhampton North President Rod Green said the Rocky Swap was the perfect avenue for promoting the message to recycle and reuse.

“The Rocky Swap is such a fantastic avenue to promote recycling, so the idea of recycling bins spread across the event will continue to encourage people to do just that,” Mr Green said.

The idea of a partnership between Rockhampton Regional Waste and Recycling and The Rocky Swap to promote waste reduction originated at a Rotary Club meeting last year.

Council recently launched the Draft Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan, which strives to achieve clear, set targets for waste reduction for our Region. Over the lifetime of this plan, Council will achieve an overall reduction in waste to landfill of 15%.

Image: Rod Green, President of North Rockhampton Rotary with Cr Neil Fisher.