Queensland, get your cans and bottles ready – Queensland’s container refund scheme, Containers for Change, is now here.
In launching the scheme, Minister for Environment Leeanne Enoch said today was a historic day for Queensland.
"Today marks a very important step forward for the people of Queensland, our environment, and our future," she said.
"Containers for Change will deliver wide-ranging benefits for the state’s environment, communities and charities.
"Nearly three billion drink containers are used by Queenslanders each year and laid end-to-end, those containers would stretch around the world roughly 10 times.
"Even though containers can be easily recycled they are the second most commonly littered item in our state.
"Queenslanders will now receive a 10 cent refund for each eligible container that is returned to one of more than 232 container refund points located across the state.
"Or, Queenslanders can choose to donate this refund to a charity or community organisation.
"This doesn’t just make sense, it makes ten cents."
Minister Enoch said every Queenslander could be part of this change.
"I encourage everyone to get online and register for an account.
"Collect your containers, take them to a refund point and collect your refund."
Alby Taylor, Acting Chair of Container Exchange (CoEx) – the organisation tasked with establishing and running the Container Refund Scheme – said Containers for Change will help improve recycling rates, reduce litter and provide fundraising opportunities for Queensland communities.
"We have launched the scheme today and have well exceeded our target of 232 refund points available for our customers to be able to access their container refunds across the State," Mr Taylor said.
Minister Enoch said this was just the beginning of the scheme.
"As more Queenslanders participate and the scheme grows, we expect more refund sites will be established across the state," she said.
Ms Enoch said the scheme would allow Queenslanders to donate to their charity or community group of their choice, no matter where they are located.
"For example, someone can return their containers in Brisbane and donate the refund to a sporting group in Cairns.
"All you need is the group’s identification number.
"The ability to send your refund to community groups, like the Buy a Bale campaign, will help support the vital work these organisations do for our communities."
Charles Adler, chief executive office of Rural Aid – which delivers the Buy a Bale campaign – said he is excited to be featured as a major donation partner for TOMRA’s 10 recycling centres to launch the Qld Containers Collection program.
"The success of the program in New South Wales has helped us raise thousands of dollars to provide hay and essential supplies for our drought affected farmers and their communities," Mr Adler said.
"It is a fabulous way for the community to help those in need within their community simply by recycling."
Toby Hutcheon, Queensland Manager of Boomerang Alliance, said: "Container deposit schemes work. The over 40 schemes operating around the world all demonstrate the same thing; they slash litter rates, increase recycling and make a cleaner environment."
"The Queensland Container Refund Scheme is designed to achieve three things; reduce container litter, increase recycling and jobs, and provide a benefit to community groups who collect cans and bottles. We think it will achieve all of these things."
