Move over fast food chains and car washes, the most popular drive-through in Toowoomba at the weekend was Toowoomba Regional Council’s electronic waste (E-waste) collection day.

Environmental and Community Services portfolio leader Cr Bill Cahill said council was overwhelmed by the public response to the free drop-off day.

“Council appreciates the understanding and patience shown by motorists on the day,” he said.

“The two collection points are set up to allow people to stay safely in their car while council officers offload and collate equipment.

“Delays are unavoidable at peak times.”

Cr Cahill said a detailed tally of equipment was being finalised.

He said it appeared residents left at least double the previous highest collection of 15 tonnes.

An inventory will be released once bins of televisions, computer equipment, video and DVD players and cables have been sorted.

Cr Cahill said the collection showed residents were mindful of depositing E-waste for recycling, instead of leaving it in rubbish bins bound for landfill.

“Diverting equipment from landfill extends the life of the cell and ensures toxic chemicals in various components can not leach into groundwater supplies,” he said.

“All waste collected will be broken down and recycled by a Toowoomba firm. This process recovers plastics, steel, copper, aluminium, electric motors, gold and silver.

“The collection also extracts heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, mercury and cadmium which can be used by other industries.”