The first Containers for Change container refund point to be installed in a Queensland national park is now available at Noosa North Shore.
The bag drop, located at the Waste Transfer Station at the Second Cutting, Beach Road, is close to the beach and campgrounds to encourage holidaymakers and four-wheel drivers to reduce litter in the Cooloola Recreation Area within the Great Sandy National Park.
The bag drop allows people to return eligible beverage containers in exchange for the 10-cent refund, which is transferred directly to their bank or PayPal account.
Visitors can also choose to donate their containers to raise funds for Cooloola Coastcare, a volunteer-based charity that cares for nature on the Cooloola Coast.
Natalie Roach, the Chief Executive Officer of Container Exchange, the not-for-profit organisation that runs Containers for Change, said the bag drop was a significant step forward in keeping more containers out of Queensland’s precious environment.
“Containers for Change has led to a 60 per cent decrease in container litter across Queensland and by offering convenient options to recycle, like this bag drop, we can help keep our parks clean and put more 10-cent refunds back into the community,” Ms Roach said.
The bag drop installation was led by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service in partnership with local Containers for Change operator Express Recycling Noosa.
Express Recycling Noosa Site Manager Dion Lawrence said the bag drop was an exciting milestone in community-led environmental action.
“Launching the first Containers for Change bag drop on protected land in Queensland has only been possible thanks to genuine collaboration and a commitment from the community to protect this special part of the world,” said Mr Lawrence.
Principal Ranger Danielle Mansfield said the bag drop would help protect the stunning natural environment and boost the visitor experience.
“By removing waste from the beach and donating their empties, people can ensure the Cooloola recreation area remains pristine for future generations.”
Cooloola Coast president Lindy Orwin said the bag drop would not only help remove plastic from the environment, which turtles often die from eating, but would help fund the charity’s turtle-saving efforts.
“This bin is going to save the lives of turtles and the funding generated by it helps our turtle care team educate children and pays for harnesses to carry stranded turtles when they’re sick from plastic.”
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