First look at Containers for Change recycling network

  • First stage of WA's container deposit scheme network, Containers for Change, announced
  • 145 refund point locations selected, with 40 per cent to be operated by social enterprises and non-profits
  • More than 500 jobs expected to be created as part of the network across the State
  • Containers for Change will launch on June 2 
  • The McGowan Government has today announced the first operators of refund points for Western Australia's new container deposit scheme that will see millions of bottles and cans diverted from landfill each year.

    Launching on June 2, Containers for Change will allow Western Australians to claim a 10-cent refund when they return eligible beverage containers at designated refund points across the State.

    Sixty-five entities have been selected to deliver 145 refund point locations. Around 40 per cent of refund points will be operated by social enterprises including charities, disability sector organisations, Aboriginal corporations, and sporting and community groups.

    Refund points will be established in every region across the State, from the Kimberley to the Great Southern. The number of refund points across the State will grow to at least 172 by June and to 229 by the end of the scheme's first year. Refund point locations and operating hours will be available at http://www.containersforchange.com.au in May.

    It is estimated more than 500 jobs will be created at refund points across the State, including hundreds of jobs to be targeted at employing people living with disability, the long-term unemployed and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, as well as opportunities for apprentices and trainees.

    Logistics and processing applicants have also been selected, with state-of-the-art compacting trucks and on-site compacting to be used for the first time in any container deposit scheme in Australia.

    This will mean less heavy vehicle movements on Western Australian roads - the equivalent of one truck instead of five.

    As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:

    "WA's first container deposit scheme, Containers for Change, is taking shape and it's pleasing to see so many organisations from all sectors of the community getting on board.

    "Western Australians have been calling for this type of recycling scheme for a long time. I'm proud that my Government is implementing Containers for Change, which will deliver a big boost to recycling and create jobs.

    "Today's announcement is just the starting point for the Containers for Change network, which will grow significantly in coming months and years.

    "More than 500 jobs will be created through Containers for Change. Refund point operators will provide job opportunities for all Western Australians, but particularly for people living with disability and long-term unemployed."

    As stated by Environment Minister Stephen Dawson:

    "There are more than 1.3 billion eligible beverage containers used in Western Australia each year, and they make up 44 per cent of litter in our parks, streets and waterways.

    "The McGowan Government has introduced Containers for Change to help reduce litter, improve recycling rates, create new businesses and employment opportunities across the State, and provide a new way for community organisations and charities to raise money."

    Successful refund point operators applicants
    ABC FoundationRecycle to Change (WA)
    Ability Centre AustralasiaRe.Turn It (WA CDS) Pty Ltd
    All Good Business ServicesRecycling Waste Solutions
    Ashburton Aboriginal CorporationSense & Tenability Pty Ltd
    Aus Can and BottlesSoullink
    Auscon MetalsThe Scout Association of Australia - WA Branch
    Bottles & Cans Pty LtdTimothy Andrew Lucas & Patrick Joseph Park
    Bridging The Gap TOMRA Collection Pty Ltd
    Care For Hedland Environmental AssociationU Can Recycle Pty Ltd
    Collier Road Metal Recycling Pty LtdUrban Depot Pty Ltd
    Containers for Change Midland Pty LtdWestern Container Recycling
    Containers for Change Rockingham Pty LtdWestonia Environment Centre
    Del Park RoadhouseWild West Pty Ltd
    East Kimberley Job PathwaysWyalkatchem Men's Shed
    Envirobank WA Pty LtdBunbury Harvey Regional Council
    Girl Guides Western AustraliaEastern Metropolitan Regional Council
    Good Samaritan IndustriesSouthern Metropolitan Regional Council
    Greenbatch Foundation Pty LtdShire of Augusta-Margaret River
    Hutt Lagoon Pty LtdShire of Denmark
    Kelly Group Administration Pty LtdShire of East Pilbara
    Lancelin Liquor WarehouseShire of Exmouth
    Lions Club of Boyup BrookShire of Irwin
    Lions Club of DonnybrookShire of Kellerberrin
    Lions Club of Leeuwin Shire of Quairading
    Mandurah Scrap MetalShire of West Arthur
    Marra Worra Worra Aboriginal CorporationShire of York
    M & R Simpson Holdings Pty LtdCity of Albany
    Nirrumbuk Environmental Health and Services Pty LtdCity of Bunbury
    North West RecyclingCity of Fremantle
    Oceanview Nominees Pty LtdCity of Perth
    Peel Thunder Football Club City of Rockingham
    Phamily Recycling Group Pty LtdCity of Stirling
    Raw Metal Corp
    Successful logistics and processing applicants
    NameTypeRegions
    CleanawayLogistics and ProcessingKimberley (Shire of Broome)

    Pilbara

    Mid-West

    Goldfields-Esperance

    South-West

    Great Southern

    Waglass (previously Colmax)Logistics and Processing: glass scheme materialPerth

    Peel

    Wheatbelt

    East Kimberley Job PathwaysLogistics and ProcessingKimberley (East Kimberley)
    Mara Worra WorraLogistics and ProcessingKimberley (Fitzroy Valley)
    RemondisLogistics and Processing: non-glass scheme materialPerth

    Peel

    Wheatbelt

    Shire of CarnarvonProcessingGascoyne
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