Brisbane Resource Recovery Centre 2026: Locations, Fees & Accepted Items
Planning a trip to a Brisbane Resource Recovery Centre? This guide covers all four locations, current fees, waste vouchers, free recycling, accepted items and vehicle rules.
Quick Answer: Brisbane Resource Recovery Centres
Brisbane City Council operates four Resource Recovery Centres. Specifically, they are at Chandler, Ferny Grove, Nudgee and Willawong.
All four sites accept recycling, green waste and general waste. In addition, they handle selected problem waste.
Many recyclable household items are free to drop off. However, general waste may attract a fee unless a valid waste voucher applies.
Green waste also has its own fee structure. Therefore, sorting your load before arrival can reduce the amount you pay.
Moreover, all four centres normally operate from 6:30am to 5:45pm. Nevertheless, temporary closures can occur.
First, separate free recyclables from paid waste.
Next, bring a waste voucher or prepare to pay.
Finally, use Nudgee or Willawong when required.
Brisbane Resource Recovery Centre Locations
Brisbane has two major and two minor Resource Recovery Centres. Therefore, location is not the only factor when choosing a site.
Vehicle size also matters. For example, heavier vehicles must use one of the major centres.
The centre is at 728 Tilley Road, Chandler QLD 4155.
However, vehicles over 4.5 tonnes CGVM cannot use this site.
The centre is at 101 Upper Kedron Road, Ferny Grove QLD 4055.
Likewise, heavier vehicles must use a major centre instead.
Nudgee is at 1372 Nudgee Road, Nudgee Beach QLD 4011.
Because it is a major centre, heavier vehicles can use it.
Willawong is at 360 Sherbrooke Road, Willawong QLD 4110.
Similarly, it accepts heavier vehicle combinations.
Opening Hours
Council lists all four centres as open seven days a week. In addition, normal operating days include public holidays.
Standard hours are 6:30am to 5:45pm. However, the gates close strictly at the listed closing time.
Therefore, avoid arriving at the last minute. Moreover, check current service alerts before making a long trip.
Brisbane Resource Recovery Centre Fees
Disposal fees depend on waste type, weight and vehicle. Therefore, not every household will pay the same amount.
For example, general waste and green waste use different fee schedules. Meanwhile, mattresses have a separate item charge.
Car or station wagon load within the applicable category.
Car or station wagon load within the applicable category.
Current flat fee per mattress.
General Waste Fees
Smaller loads use a flat charge. However, heavier loads move into higher fee categories.
| Waste Type | Load | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| General waste | Up to 100 kg | $25.60 |
| General waste | 100–500 kg | $85.40 |
| General waste | Above 500 kg | $264.60 per tonne |
| Green waste | Up to 100 kg | $16 |
| Green waste | 100–500 kg | $26.60 |
| Green waste | Above 500 kg | $131 per tonne |
How Brisbane Waste Vouchers Work
Brisbane households receive 10 waste vouchers each financial year. Therefore, vouchers can significantly reduce disposal costs.
Each voucher covers up to 100 kg of eligible waste. In addition, residents can combine several vouchers for a larger load.
Up to 10 vouchers can be used in one transaction. Consequently, the total allowance can reach 1,000 kg when all conditions are met.
What Can Vouchers Cover?
Vouchers can cover eligible general waste. Likewise, they can cover uncontaminated green waste.
Moreover, one voucher can cover up to three mattresses. Therefore, residents with several mattresses may save considerably.
Do You Need a Voucher for Free Recycling?
No. Eligible free recycling does not require a voucher.
Therefore, keep recyclables separate from paid general waste.
What Can You Take to a Brisbane Resource Recovery Centre?
Council centres accept many household materials. However, some products have quantity or container limits.
Therefore, check unusual or large loads before travelling.
Household and selected rechargeable batteries can use the recycling stream.
Computers, TVs and phones are accepted. However, item limits apply.
Fridges, freezers and washing machines can use the recycling area.
Steel, aluminium and suitable scrap metal are accepted.
Clean polystyrene blocks can be recycled. Therefore, keep them separate from general waste.
Buckets, crates and selected rigid plastic items may be accepted.
Flatten cardboard first. Then, place it in the correct recycling area.
These materials are accepted within limits. Therefore, check container size rules first.
Paint Limits
Council accepts up to 100 litres of paint in total. However, each container must hold no more than 20 litres.
Engine Oil Limits
Similarly, up to 100 litres of engine oil can be accepted. Again, each container must stay within the allowed size.
Gas Bottle Limits
Selected empty gas bottles are accepted. However, each bottle must not exceed the current weight limit.
In addition, a per-visit quantity limit applies.
Mattresses and Reusable Items
Mattresses have a separate fee. However, residents may be able to use a waste voucher instead.
One voucher can cover up to three mattresses. Therefore, check your voucher supply before paying cash.
What Happens to Mattresses?
First, mattresses go to a processing contractor. Next, the material is mechanically broken down.
Steel can then be recovered. Meanwhile, foam and fabric are reduced in volume.
As a result, less material needs final disposal.
Can Good Items Be Reused?
Yes. Suitable items can be donated through Brisbane’s reuse system.
For example, clean furniture, books, clothing and toys may be suitable. However, staff decide whether an item can be accepted.
What Is Not Accepted?
Resource Recovery Centres do not accept every material. Therefore, unusual waste needs extra checking.
For example, current exclusions include:
- asbestos and asbestos-containing material
- ammunition, fireworks and flares
- radioactive material
- tyres
- commercial quantities of recyclable material
- engineered stone
- large lithium vehicle or solar batteries
- other unlisted hazardous waste
Vehicle Size and Load Rules
Chandler and Ferny Grove are minor centres. Therefore, vehicles over 4.5 tonnes CGVM cannot use them.
On the other hand, Nudgee and Willawong are major centres. Consequently, heavier vehicle combinations can use those sites.
However, heavy vehicles cannot use standard waste vouchers.
How to Prepare Your Load
Sorting at home makes the visit easier. Moreover, it can help reduce fees.
First, keep chargeable waste together.
Next, separate branches, grass and garden material.
Then, group paint, oil and batteries safely.
After that, keep e-waste, metal and hard plastics apart.
Finally, place donation items where staff can reach them easily.
Safety Before Driving
Secure loose waste before travelling. In addition, cover open trailers when needed.
Wear enclosed shoes at the centre. Moreover, gloves can help when handling sharp or dirty materials.
Commercial Waste Fees Are Different
Businesses can use suitable Council facilities. However, commercial rates differ from household rates.
For example, smaller commercial loads use one fee category. Meanwhile, heavier loads move into higher-priced categories.
Therefore, businesses should check the current commercial schedule before travelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Resource Recovery Centres are in Brisbane?
Brisbane has four Council centres. Specifically, they are Chandler, Ferny Grove, Nudgee and Willawong.
What time do Brisbane Resource Recovery Centres open?
Standard hours are 6:30am to 5:45pm. However, temporary changes can occur.
Is recycling free?
Many household recyclable items are free. Therefore, separate them from general waste before arrival.
Can I use waste vouchers?
Yes. Eligible Brisbane households receive waste vouchers. However, conditions and vehicle limits apply.
Can I recycle e-waste for free?
Yes. Household e-waste can use the free recycling stream, subject to item limits.
Can I take paint?
Yes. However, total volume and container-size limits apply.
Can I take asbestos?
No. Instead, use an approved asbestos disposal service.
Can a heavy truck use Chandler?
No. Therefore, heavier vehicles should use Nudgee or Willawong.
Can I dispose of mattresses?
Yes. However, mattresses have a separate fee unless an eligible voucher is used.
Brisbane Resource Recovery Centre Map & Addresses
The four centres cover different parts of Brisbane. Therefore, choose the most suitable site based on location, vehicle and waste type.
In particular, heavier vehicles should use Nudgee or Willawong.
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Before travelling: first check opening status. In addition, confirm load restrictions and accepted items.
Chandler Resource Recovery Centre
728 Tilley Road, Chandler QLD 4155
Chandler serves Brisbane’s eastern suburbs. However, heavy vehicles must use a major centre.
Ferny Grove Resource Recovery Centre
101 Upper Kedron Road, Ferny Grove QLD 4055
Ferny Grove suits many north-west suburbs. Likewise, its vehicle limit should be checked before travel.
Nudgee Resource Recovery Centre
1372 Nudgee Road, Nudgee Beach QLD 4011
Nudgee is a major centre. Therefore, it is suitable for heavier vehicle combinations.
Willawong Resource Recovery Centre
360 Sherbrooke Road, Willawong QLD 4110
Willawong is Brisbane’s major south-side facility. Consequently, heavy vehicles can use this site.
Official Sources Used for This Guide
This guide prioritises Brisbane City Council information. Therefore, Council guidance should take priority if a fee or rule changes.
- Brisbane City Council — Resource Recovery Centres
- Brisbane City Council — Waste Vouchers
- Brisbane City Council — Hazardous Waste Disposal
In addition, always check the latest Council page before a special trip.
Information Freshness
Fees, opening conditions and accepted-item limits can change. Therefore, this guide should be rechecked whenever Council updates its waste services.
Last researched and verified: 17 October 2026
About This Guide
Recycle Guide Hub is an independent informational website. We are not Brisbane City Council or a Resource Recovery Centre operator.
Instead, our goal is to make official waste information easier to understand.
However, fees and facility rules can change. Therefore, confirm current details before travelling or paying.
Post Location: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Coverage: Brisbane City Council Resource Recovery Centres
Last Verified: 17 October 2026