An avid fisherman has been the lucky recycler to return the 100 millionth container at the Containers for Change depot Browns Plains Bottles and Cans.
Graham Rose from Crestmead returned the milestone container at 8:45am on Friday, 4 April, which was among his collection of 2,203 containers.
Mr Rose, who visits the Browns Plains depot every three months with about 2,500 bottles and cans, said he took part in Containers for Change because it “helps clean up Australia and puts a bit of extra cash in your pocket”.
“I usually use the money for food, to put petrol in the car and go fishing. I’m actually getting the windows in my car tinted this time,” Mr Rose said.
Andrew Lambert and Julie Farrelly opened Browns Plains Bottles and Cans in October 2020 amid the turbulent times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr Lambert said they survived those early days and transformed the depot into a thriving business with 20 staff by focusing on what matters to the community.
Hundreds of cars now pass through the depot every day, with between 500,000 to 700,000 containers returned every week.
“We know what’s important to our customers, which is why we’ve set up the depot so vehicles can get through easily and quickly,” Mr Lambert said.
“Our customers love that they can sit in their car while our staff unload the containers straight from the boot and count them on the spot.
“Our staff are some of the fastest container counters around and customers know they don’t have to wait long for their refund.”
Natalie Roach, Chief Executive Officer of Container Exchange, the not-for-profit organisation that runs Containers for Change, congratulated Andrew, Julie and the team at Browns Plains for achieving the milestone of 100 million containers.
“Andrew and Julie are community leaders who have created a business that truly captures what it means to be part of Containers for Change,” Ms Roach said.
“Not only do they provide an opportunity for people to return their containers, but they have forged strong relationships with their customers and supported many local causes over past four years.
“Their commitment to recycling has kept 100 million containers out of landfill, and put $10 million back into the pockets of individuals, community groups and charities.”
Visit the Containers for Change website for more information on how to return eligible containers to earn the 10-cent refund.
Browns Plains Bottles and Cans team members (left to right): Lisa, Samantha, Colin, Tammy, Julie Farrelly, Rob and Andrew Lambert.
Media contact:
m: 0408 915 422
e: media@containerexchange.com.au
