With less than 30 days until the start of Containers for Change, WA's new container deposit scheme, the McGowan Government has today launched an online resource to guide Western Australians to their closest refund point.
Locations, opening hours and all the details about Western Australia's 200 refund points are now available at http://www.containersforchange.com.au
The online resource was launched today at the Scouts WA Recycling Centre on Dellamarta Road in Wangara. The Scouts' drive-through refund point facility will employ 15 to 20 people across a range of roles. Up to 40 per cent of workers will be returning to work after being unemployed for a long period of time, and five per cent of positions will be filled by people with disability.
From October 1, 2020, Western Australians will be able to cash in their eligible drink containers for 10 cents each at any authorised Containers for Change refund point.
With 74 operators right across the State, Western Australia will be home to the most diversely operated refund point network in Australia. At launch, 35 per cent of refund points will be operated by social enterprises and not-for-profits, 15 per cent by local governments, and the remaining 50 per cent by commercial operators, including many local small businesses.
The State is also on track to deliver the most accessible container deposit scheme in Australia at launch, and will offer customers a range of return options with different types of refund points. This will include depots, reverse vending machines, bag drops and pop-up refund points.
Western Australians will be able to receive their container refunds in cash, via direct bank deposit, or to donate refunds to a community group or charity.
Containers for Change is on track to deliver more than 500 local jobs, providing employment opportunities for people with disability, the long-term unemployed, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
As stated by Environment Minister Stephen Dawson:
"I know many Western Australians have been looking forward to finding out where their closest refund points are.
"I am very proud that our container deposit scheme will be the most accessible at launch - and also the most diversely run scheme - in Australia.
"We are committed to ensuring that, wherever you live in WA, you will have the opportunity to return your containers and receive a refund, or donate it to a community group or cause that is important to you.
"Containers for Change will help improve recycling rates and reduce litter, while also providing a new funding stream for our charities and community groups, and employment opportunities across the State.
"I strongly encourage all Western Australians to take advantage of Containers for Change when it launches in just a few short weeks."
