Half a billion containers have been returned and more than 640 jobs created through Queensland’s container refund scheme, Containers for Change.
Environment Minister Leeanne Enoch said more than 173,000 Queenslanders now have a scheme ID, which shows the state is getting behind the initiative.
“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.”
Ms Enoch said $50 million had been returned to Queenslanders, charities and community organisations through the scheme.
“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,” Ms Enoch said.
“About 3400 community groups, schools, charities and sports clubs are benefitting from the refunds.”
Ms Enoch said since the scheme started on 1 November 2019, there has been a 35 per cent reduction of containers ending up as litter in the environment.
“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,” Ms Enoch said.
Container Exchange, the organisation that runs the scheme, Chair Mark O’Brien said new refund depots have been opening up across the state in recent weeks.
“We now have more than 275 container refund points providing customer access to container refunds,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Container Exchange will continue to grow the Containers for Change scheme to provide opportunities for customers, charities and community groups to receive refunds and raise funds.”
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