The search for missing Brisbane woman Lesley Trotter has begun at a Swanbank waste facility.

The retired teacher disappeared last month, and her body is believed to have wound up in a wheelie bin.

Detective Superintendent Andrew Massingham spoke today at a press conference, saying the search will take an estimated 2 to 3 weeks.

Officers are using rakes to sift through waste piles at a rate of 200 tonnes per day.

Neil Breen believes the police should be commended for their efforts.

Press PLAY below hear details of the complex police search

Image: Queensland Police Service