From Mackay’s iconic cane fields to the naturally beautiful beaches of the Whitsundays and the resource-rich landscape of the Isaac, locals across the region have a great reason to crack a cold one in celebration as they mark the extraordinary achievement of returning more than 400 million drink containers for recycling through Containers for Change.
Natalie Roach, chief executive officer of Container Exchange, the not-for-profit that runs Containers for Change, said the milestone highlighted the region’s commitment to protecting the local environment while ensuring no container goes to waste.
“Having now returned 400 million empties since 2018, residents in Mackay and surrounding regions have contributed to a cleaner environment, keeping every single one of those containers out of landfill or from ending up as litter,” Ms Roach said while in Mackay to meet with local refund point operators.
“Containers for Change has also made a significant injection to the local economy, with the community benefitting from jobs created at our local refund points, and the 10-cent refund for each container returned.
“Since 2018 Containers for Change has now returned more than $40 million to the pockets of the region’s households, charities and community groups.”
Ms Roach said that while local container recycling efforts were commendable, there were still more opportunities for residents and organisations in Mackay to cash in with Containers for Change.
“Unfortunately, each year millions of containers across Queensland are still ending up in rubbish bins heading for landfill, meaning those 10-cent refunds are literally going to waste,” Ms Roach said.
“We want no container to go to waste, which is why I am urging all Queenslanders to start collecting their empties and experience the benefits of Containers for Change for themselves.”
Containers for Change is leading the way as the first container recycling program in Australia to include glass wine and spirit bottles, providing more opportunities for central Queensland households, charities and community organisations to actively participate and raise money through 10-cent refunds.
“The 10-cent refunds can really add up, helping to ease some of the cost-of-living pressures households are currently facing, and if you don’t need the refund yourself, it’s a great way to donate to your chosen charity, community group or even your local school P&C,” Ms Roach said.
“Best of all it has never been easier to get started on a container collecting journey and help keep this iconic destination litter free.
“Customers can visit our website or download the Containers for Change app to find their nearest refund point, sign-up for a member number and watch their refunds grow”.
For further info on Containers for Change in Queensland, visit www.containersforchange.com.au/qld.
Media Contact:
Benjamin Mulcahy
m | 0437 370 139
e | media@containerexchange.com.au
