Sunshine Coast residents are reaping in the benefits of Queensland’s container refund scheme, Containers for Change, with figures showing more than 25,000 containers were returned on the first few days.
In the Sunshine Coast region today, Minister for Environment and the Great Barrier Reef Leeanne Enoch said it was wonderful that the community was getting on board with the scheme, which started on November 1.
"Containers for Change has had a wonderful response across Queensland," she said.
"So far, more than 3.5 million containers have been returned across Queensland, including more than 25,000 in the Sunshine Coast region, and these numbers continue to grow.
"Containers for Change is a not only a great way to increase recycling but it will help to reduce litter on our beautiful Sunshine Coast beaches and in our environment."
Queenslanders are able to get 10 cents back when they take containers to a refund point, or, they can choose to donate the refund to a charity.
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.
"I encourage everyone to register online for a scheme ID so you can get the refund directly back into your bank account.
"I also urge any community groups or charities to sign-up at the Containers for Change website if they are interested in receiving donations.
"Thousands of charities and community groups across Queensland have already signed up and it is a fantastic way to raise funds to carry out vital work in the community."
Alby Taylor, 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, improve the environment and provide opportunities for charities, community groups and other not-for-profit organisations.
"Our network launched with more than 230 refund points throughout the State, with that number expected to grow to more than 300," Mr Taylor said.
"We expect that some people will be keen to support local community groups by donating their containers and we encourage social purpose organisations to sign up for the scheme.
"We’d love to see communities get behind Containers for Change to raise funds for schools, sporting clubs and other not-for-profits."
Craig McDougall, Depot Supervisor for TOMRA Kunda Park said that after all the hard work everyone at TOMRA had put in to get their 10 Recycling Centres operational from day one, it was fantastic to see the Sunshine Coast so enthusiastic about recycling their drink containers and helping to clean up Queensland.
"Now they’ve seen how fast, friendly and rewarding the experience is, I’m sure that this will only be the beginning," Mr McDougall said.
Sunshine Coast Animal Refuge is one of the charities that are benefiting from the scheme and Vice President and Treasurer, Penny Brischke, said: "We’re thrilled to be part of this important environmental initiative. Not only will it provide a much needed fundraising boost, helping us to continue our valuable work with animal rescue, it will reduce the amount of litter in our environment.".
