Tom Pirie, better know around the Gold Coast as 10 Cent Tom. (Image: Containers for Change)
Hundreds of thousands of beverage containers are being saved from landfill thanks to a new retail recycling initiative pioneered by two Gold Coast icons.
Since February, Pacific Fair shopping centre has partnered with not-for-profit organisation 10 Cent Tom to sort through the centre’s bins for beverage containers that can be returned through Containers for Change.
More than 100,000 eligible beverage containers were recovered over three months, with more than $10,000 in 10-cent refunds going directly to 10 Cent Tom to help create employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
Pacific Fair General Manager Shaine Beveridge said the initiative was a key part of the centre’s commitment to waste reduction and supporting sustainable practices.
“Partnering with 10 Cent Tom allows us to make a tangible difference in our sustainability efforts while also creating opportunities for important members of our community,” Mr Beveridge said.
10 Cent Tom founder Tom Pirie said Pacific Fair’s support had been invaluable in helping the organisation grow its mission.
“Together, we’re spreading awareness of recycling’s importance while creating real opportunities for inclusive employment to those with disabilities,” Mr Pirie said.
Natalie Roach, the Chief Executive Officer of Container Exchange, the not-for-profit organisation that runs Containers for Change, said the partnership between Pacific Fair and 10 Cent Tom was an example of the significant environmental, social and economic impacts of the container refund scheme.
“More than two in three eligible beverage containers sold in Queensland are returned through the Containers for Change scheme,” Ms Roach said.
“Most of the containers that are not recycled through Containers for Change are consumed out of home at places like shopping centres.
“It’s thanks to innovative partnerships like this that we can ensure no container goes to waste, create Queensland jobs and put more 10-cent refunds back into the community.”
Visit the Containers for Change website for more information on how to return eligible containers to earn the 10-cent refund.
Media contact:
m: 0408 915 422
e: media@containerexchange.com.au
