Judging by the over five million containers returned and recycled in participating depots across Queensland such as the Geebung Recycling Centre, the first week of the Containers Refund Scheme has been an overwhelming success.
Minister for Environment and the Great Barrier Reef Leeanne Enoch shared this sentiment eight days into the November launch. The five million containers returned, including the 780,000 in Wide bay and 770,000 in Townsville, meant that half a million dollars of cash has either been given back to participating Queenslanders or benefitted charities and community groups.
“It is wonderful to see so many Queenslanders getting on board with Containers for Change,” Ms Enoch said.
Queensland Container Refund Scheme
Video Credit: Mueller Aviation/YouTube
The Containers Refund Scheme or “Containers for Change” aims to encourage recycling and reduce waste by providing a way for customers to return eligible containers in exchange for a ten cent refund. The scheme has also created about 500 new job opportunities at the container refund points located across the state.
The more than five million containers being recycled greatly impressed Container Exchange (CoEx) CEO Ken Noye. Container Exchange (CoEx) is responsible for implementing and managing the Container Refund Scheme.
“That’s a massive result which is bound to have a positive impact on our environment…We also now have 27,000 people signed up with a scheme ID, allowing them to be paid their refund straight into their bank account,” he said. Charities and community groups who are interested in being part of the scheme are encouraged to sign-up as well.
“People are able 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,” Mr Noye said.
TOMRA – The Cleanest Loop
Video credit: TOMRA/tomra.com
TOMRA operates the 10 recycling centres in South East Queensland: Brisbane Metro (West End, Salisbury, Seventeen Mile Rocks, Tingalpa, Geebung and Crestmead), Ipswich, Toowoomba, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. Eligible containers can be returned using the centre’s reverse vending machines or a ‘drop and go’ bag drop service. Large numbers of containers from businesses or community groups may be returned to process through TOMRA’s high-volume bulk sorting and counting equipment.