Magnetic Island residents and visitors will have two new places to trade their containers for 10 cents when Containers for Change opens its Picnic Bay and Horseshoe Bay facilities this year.
Townsville City Council today approved two one-year leases with two one-year options to renew for the not-for-profit group at Magnetic Island Transfer Station and at Horseshoe Bay Skate Park.
The leases will allow for Containers for Change refund points to be operated by local business Pilchers Recycling.
Mayor Nick Dametto said the two container refund points would help reduce waste to landfill from Magnetic Island.
"Maggie island is a major tourist attraction, with over 300,000 visitors each year from across the globe travelling to see this natural wonder. With that in mind, it's important to reduce waste and manage illegal dumping on the island. I believe this is a great initiative to achieve this goal," Cr Dametto said.
"Island residents are amongst some of the best recyclers across the Townsville local government footprint. This State Government backed container for change initiative is a great way for those who are doing the right thing to cash in on their efforts.
"The 10-cent rebate on eligible containers is a great way for local organisations and sporting groups to fundraise. This is why Council is making it easier on the island for those to cash in on keeping Maggie clean."
Trevor Evans, Interim CEO of Container Exchange (COEX), the not-for-profit that runs Containers for Change, said COEX was proud to work with Council and Pilchers Recycling to increase access to container recycling on the island.
"Magnetic Island is home to some of Queensland's most passionate and committed recyclers," Mr Evans said.
"Containers for Change provides an important source of fundraising for local community groups and charities, and we thank Council for this decision that will help deliver the environmental, social and economic benefits of the scheme to Magnetic Island."
Council voted for a no-cost lease for the first year of operation at both sites, with market value to be charged to COEX if they renew their leases in the second or third years.
Council's partnership with COEX began in early 2025 with the roll-out of 50 container exchange points on public bins along The Strand and Jezzine Barracks for residents and visitors to place eligible containers. Residents can collect containers from these points and take them to Containers for Change for a refund.
