New container refund point now open in Caloundra

• The Sunshine Coast’s newest Containers for Change refund point has opened in Baringa.
• The drive-in depot on Strong Street features automated counting machines which will enable customers to return containers and receive their refunds quickly and easily.
• Since Containers for Change began in November 2018, more than 7.4 billion containers have been returned and more than $740 million refunded to Queenslanders, including around $11 million which has been paid to charities and community groups.
• In an Australian-first, Queensland’s scheme was expanded on 1 November to include glass wine and pure spirit bottles in exchange for 10 cents per container.

Environment Minister Leanne Linard and Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt have officially opened the Sunshine Coast’s newest Containers for Change refund point on Strong Street in Baringa today.

The new drive-in depot with automated counting machines will enable customers to quickly and easily return their containers and receive their refunds.

The depot will be staffed seven days a week and offer a 24-hour bag drop service for customers wanting to drop their containers and go.

The new Baringa facility adds to the more than 360 refund points located across Queensland which accept eligible containers under the Palaszczuk Government’s hugely successful container refund scheme.

In an Australian-first, Queensland’s scheme was expanded on 1 November to include glass wine and pure spirit bottles.

Since Containers for Change launched in November 2018 more than 7.4 billion containers have been returned to refund points across Queensland. This year alone, more than 1.6 billion containers have been returned for recycling.

Quotes attributable to Environment Minister, Leanne Linard:

“Containers for Change is going from strength to strength, which is why we’re opening more facilities to service local demand and meet the expectations of Queenslanders.

“The popularity of the scheme has only increased since all Queensland Containers for Change refund points started accepting empty glass wine and pure spirit bottles in November in exchange for 10-cent refunds.

“Containers for Change is great for Queenslanders’ hip pockets as well as the environment. Since it began, more than $740 million has been returned to Queenslanders’ pockets, including around $11 million to charities and community groups.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Caloundra, Jason Hunt:

“The Sunshine Coast is synonymous with a clean, green, active lifestyle so it’s no surprise that Containers for Change has been so enthusiastically embraced here.

“We love our environment and our beaches and taking proactive actions to reduce our waste and recycle wherever possible.

“Today is just the official opening, this facility has been operating since October and has already processed almost 600,000 containers.

“So, it will only grow from here, especially over Christmas. Why not turn it into a game for the kids and encourage them to collect bottles and cans from family and friends through the festive season to see how much pocket money they can make?”

Quotes attributable to Container Exchange CEO Natalie Roach:

“The Sunshine Coast’s new Containers for Change refund point is strategically positioned to serve this rapidly growing region and is expected to be popular with locals and holiday makers alike. 

“This impressive new depot in Baringa means the community can earn refunds more conveniently than ever before, with a range of return options including a 24-hour bag-drop service to make it even easier for those in a hurry.

“With holiday celebrations getting underway, now is the perfect time for Sunshine Coast households to kickstart their container collecting and cash in on the drinks they enjoy during the festive season. 

“Over the last five years, more than 7.4 billion containers have been returned for recycling through the Containers for Change network.

“The scheme has also supported more than 935 jobs across Queensland, with many of these in regional areas, supporting local economies such as here in this fast-growing part of the Sunshine Coast.”

Quotes from Ajay Dharam, Owner/Manager of Strong Street Recyclers (the Baringa depot operator):

“Community is at the heart of everything we do, which is why we chose the fast-growing Baringa area to open this brand-new Containers for Change facility for locals.

“In addition to providing a convenient way for local families to recycle and cash-in by returning their eligible containers, the depot is proudly providing support to local community groups and charity organisations including the Men’s Shed.

“We are also supporting local jobs and have employed five staff, with a sixth position soon to be added . With plenty of room to expand our operation as this area of the Sunshine Coast continues to grow, we look forward to being a valued part of the community for years to come.”

Fast facts:

Since the Containers for Change Container Refund Scheme began on 1 November 2018:

• More than 7.3 billion containers have been returned for recycling.
• More than $730 million in refunds has been returned to Queenslanders, including around $11 million which has been paid to charities and community groups.
• Since 1 January to December 2023, a 1.6 billion containers have been returned for recycling.
• Before the scheme was launched, only 18 per cent of drink containers were being recovered and recycled in Queensland. The current rate is around 64 per cent.

Learn more about Containers for Change here: www.containersforchange.com.au/qld

ENDS

Media contact: Minister’s office – (07) 3719 7339; Container Exchange: Sam Nicholson – 0406 743 339