Townsville residents cash-in on Containers for Change

Townsville residents are helping smash recycling rates for containers and taking advantage of the 10-cent refund, with figures showing an average of around 1.3 million containers are being returned in Queensland every day.

In Currajong today, visiting a refund site operated by Reef Recycling and Logistics, Environment Minister Leeanne Enoch said she was thrilled with Townsville’s support of the scheme.

“Townsville has really gotten behind the scheme and after the weekend have returned 4.1 million containers,” Minister Enoch said.

“It’s obvious the people in Townsville have embraced the scheme, which is fantastic, but I want to keep building the momentum and see even more containers returned.”

Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said that means more than $410 000 has been returned to Townsville locals, charities, schools, community groups and sporting clubs.

“Containers for Change is about encouraging more recycling and reducing litter in the environment, by allowing Queenslanders to get 10 cents back for returning their cans and bottles,” Mr Stewart said.

“With more than ten deposit points in the Townsville region there isn’t any reason not to be a part of the scheme.

“It’s simple and easy to be a part of, just make sure you jump online, register, find your closest deposit point and start saving the environment and boosting recycling today.”

Member for Thuringowa, Aaron Harper, said the numbers being returned are beyond what he imagined with the equivalent of 23 containers for every person in Townsville already being returned.

“It’s great to see some of our local community groups being a part of this and getting some extra money to continue to provide support for the community.

“The scheme also brings with it new job opportunities and with Queenslanders using nearly three billion containers every year, these opportunities will continue to grow.”

Container Exchange Chief Executive Officer, Ken Noye, said the Containers for Change scheme provides opportunities for charities, community groups and other not-for-profit organisations.

“Not only does the scheme give these organisations the opportunity to raise funds, it also provides employment opportunities for people with disabilities or those facing long-term unemployment.

“Townsville will get a share of the 500 new jobs being created around the state to implement and operate the scheme, and that’s good news for people looking for work,” he said.

Shane Stratton, Operator of Reef Recycling and Logistics said the response since the opening of the scheme had been overwhelming.

“We expected a good response, but we had one man who came in with 40,000 cans on behalf of the local scouts on the first day!

“Since then, it’s been flat strap, and we’ve been working day and night to meet demand and we are picking up containers from Palm Island too – there’s been a huge number from there, picked up by people participating in the ‘Work for the Dole’ scheme,” Mr Stratton said.

For more information visit www.containersforchange.com.au or phone 13 42 42.

Media contact: 0417 768 626