What’s Happening?
Rockhampton Regional Council has opened its 2026 BINfluencer Competition, inviting households to put their best recycling habits forward.
The competition recognises residents who correctly sort, clean and place recyclable items in their yellow-lid bins. Selected entrants will have their bins checked before collection, with successful households receiving the BINfluencer title.
Why It Matters
Waste and Recycling Councillor Shane Latcham said the competition recognised people already helping recyclables avoid landfill.
“Last year’s inaugural competition shone a spotlight on some fantastic BINfluencers who helped keep recyclables out of landfill and inspired others to do the same,” Cr Latcham said.
“These residents showed that getting your recycling sorted doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about making simple habits part of your everyday routine. A BINfluencer is someone who not only sorts their recyclables correctly but also inspires their street to follow suit.”
Local Impact
The competition is open to all Rockhampton Region residential households that receive a kerbside recycling bin collection service.
Residents do not need a special collection because Council checks selected bins on their usual recycling day. The title also recognises people who encourage their street to follow the same habits.
By the Numbers
- Six entrants will be crowned BINfluencers, with winners announced regularly until the end of National Recycling Week.
- Each winner will receive a Rockhampton Zoo Encounter valued at up to $110. A $40 Reviva Ibis Reuse Shop gift voucher is also included.
- Entries close on Friday, 9 October 2026.
Zoom In
Entering begins with an online form, followed by a bin check if the applicant’s name is drawn.
“Entering is simple, just complete the online entry form and, if your name is drawn, Council will complete a quick visual ‘lift the lid’ check on your yellow lid bin on your usual recycling bin day before it has been emptied,” Cr Latcham said.
During the check, a Bin Health Professional will look for five correct recycling practices:
- Household recyclables must be sorted correctly. Accepted items include glass bottles and jars, paper, cardboard, steel tins, aluminium cans and aerosols. Plastic containers numbered 1, 2, 4 and 5 are also accepted.
- Lids must be removed from bottles, jars and containers before those items enter the yellow-lid bin.
- Recyclable food containers should receive a quick rinse before being placed in the bin.
- All recyclable items must remain loose and should never be bagged or placed inside other containers.
- The yellow-lid bin must be presented correctly on its fortnightly collection day. Its lid must remain closed, with 30cm between bins and 1m from obstacles.
Zoom Out
Last year’s August competition winner, Katherine Somers, said the title showed how small household changes can make a big difference.
“Recycling is just part of our everyday routine at home,” Ms Somers said.
Explaining how her household manages its waste, she said, “We keep it simple: two bins inside for easy sorting, freeze food scraps until bin day, collect our 10-cent containers, and share our fruit and vegetable scraps with friends’ chooks.”
Ms Somers also valued knowing that recyclable materials could be used again.
“I like knowing my rubbish has a second life and that the things we recycle can be used again rather than simply ending up in landfill,” she said.
What To Look For Next?
Council will continue drawing names, checking bins and announcing winners until the end of National Recycling Week.
Residents can complete the online BINfluencer Competition Entry Form before entries close on Friday, 9 October 2026.
Households can also review Council’s waste and recycling information to check their bin habits.
