Queensland’s container refund scheme, Containers for Change, has been in effect for just over two weeks, after starting in early November, and figures are showing more and more Queenslanders are embracing the recycling initiative.
Minister for environment and the Great Barrier Reef Leeanne Enoch said more than 17 million containers had been returned through the scheme so far.
“These are amazing results for Queensland’s new scheme.
“Queenslanders are able to get 10 cents back for recycling their containers, and $1.7m in refunds has already gone back to Queenslanders, community groups and charities,” said Enoch.
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Queensland was one of the country’s worst performers in recycling, which is why schemes like Containers for Change are important in creating incentives to change behaviour, she said.
“It is obvious from these results that Queenslanders care about recycling, and want to improve how they manage waste.
“This is also just the beginning of the scheme, and these figures will continue to grow as more Queenslanders get on board and get containers for change,” said Enoch.
Community organisation HELP CEO Greg Luck said the partnership with Return-It, which is operating container refund points, has been able to help place people who have been out of the workforce for an extended time period back into paid employment.
“This initiative complements HELP’s initiative to provide tailored employment solutions to job seekers and employers in Australia, and we are proud to partner with Return-It Queensland,” said Luck.
Return-It managing director, David Singh is proud that one of its partnerships is with HELP.
“HELP plays an integral part in helping so many in our community. I think many people will opt to donate their refunds to this worthy organisation,” said Singh.
“Return-It benefits the customer, the community and the environment, and we can’t wait to see how the partnership with HELP grows,” he said.