Whitsunday Coast Airport is helping preserve the pristine environment of one of Queensland’s most popular tourist destinations by recycling through Containers for Change.
The airport this month joined the container refund scheme by placing dedicated container collection bins around the terminal to make it easy for staff and passengers to recycle their eligible beverage containers.
It is estimated the airport will recycle about 800,000 containers through Containers for Change a year, raising $80,000 in 10-cent refunds that can be used to support council and community initiatives.
Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said the initiative was a win-win for the environment and the community.
“This is about turning everyday recycling into real support for our local groups,” Mayor Collins said.
“Every eligible bottle or can collected at the airport helps keep valuable materials out of landfill and there is a strong opportunity to channel these funds into grassroots organisations in Airlie Beach, Proserpine, Bowen, and Collinsville.”
Natalie Roach, the Chief Executive Officer of Container Exchange, the not-for-profit organisation that runs Containers for Change, said with thousands of people travelling through the Whitsundays every month, the airport’s initiative played a vital role in capturing beverage containers consumed away from home.
“Most containers not returned through Containers for Change are consumed out-of-home, but by joining the scheme, the Whitsunday Regional Council is helping to reduce landfill and litter in one of Queensland’s iconic destinations,” Ms Roach said.
Containers collected at the Whitsunday Coast Airport will be processed by Bowen-based Containers for Change operator Pilchers Recycling.
Stephen Pilcher, General Manager of Pilchers Recycling, said he was pleased to work with Council on the initiative.
“Our team have been working tirelessly in conjunction with Council and Container Exchange to ensure a smooth, hassle-free service is rolled out. We look forward to being a part of the change and supporting local community groups raise valuable money,” Mr Pilcher said.
Whitsunday Regional Council Director of Commercial Businesses Craig Turner said the program demonstrated the airport’s commitment to leading by example.
“We’re in a unique position to show visitors and locals that small actions, like recycling a drink bottle, can make a big difference,” Mr Turner said.
“This program strengthens our sustainability credentials and showcases how our commercial operations can directly give back to the community.”
Media contact:
m: 0408 915 422
e: media@containerexchange.com.au
