Containers for Change hits half a billion milestone

Half a billion containers have now been returned and more than 640 jobs created as part of Queensland’s container refund scheme, Containers for Change.

Minister for Environment Leeanne Enoch said this was another major milestone that the scheme had reached, as more and more Queenslanders get on board with recycling.

“Containers for Change continues to go from strength to strength, providing financial incentives for recycling cans and bottles,” Ms Enoch said.

“The scheme has also helped create more than 640 new jobs and is providing more business opportunities across Queensland.

“More than 173,000 Queenslanders also now have a scheme ID, which shows Queenslanders are really getting behind the initiative.”

Minister Enoch said half a billion containers had now been returned since the start of the scheme on November 1, which means more than $50 million has been returned to Queenslanders, charities and community organisations.

“When people take their bottles and cans to be recycled, they can choose to get the 10-cent refund or choose to donate that money to charities or community groups.

“About 3400 community groups, schools, charities and sports clubs are benefitting from the refunds.”

Ms Enoch said along with the benefits to individuals and charities, the scheme was also helping reduce litter in the environment.

“Studies conducted since the scheme started have shown there has been a 35% reduction of containers ending up as litter in the environment, which is incredible.

“This scheme, along with the ban on single-use plastic bags also implemented last year, are making a real difference to plastic pollution ending up in our environment and waterways.”

Mark O’Brien, Chair of Container Exchange (COEX), the non-profit organisation that runs the Scheme, said new refund depots have been opening up across the state, including at Eagle Farm, Atherton, Beaudesert and the Boyne Island in recent weeks.

“We now have more than 275 container refund points throughout the State providing customer access to container refunds,” Mr O’Brien said.

“COEX will continue to grow the Containers for Change scheme to provide opportunities for customers, charities and community groups to receive refunds and raise funds.”

For more information, visit www.containersforchange.com.au/

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