Thursday Island celebrates one million containers returned through Containers for Change

The Thursday Island community has come together to celebrate the official cultural blessing of the Torres Shire Council-operated Containers for Change depot, marking a major milestone for recycling in the Torres Strait.

Since opening in early 2025, Queensland’s northernmost container refund depot has collected more than one million eligible containers, preventing them from going to landfill and returning more than $100,000 in 10-cent refunds to the local community.

The celebration recognised the collective efforts of the community, Torres Shire Council and Container Exchange (COEX), the not-for-profit that runs the statewide scheme, to make recycling more accessible across the Torres Strait.

It comes as the Torres Shire Council was recognised at the 2026 Change Maker Awards, taking home the Small Operator of the Year Award. The award recognises operators who deliver exceptional results while providing important services to their local communities.

Torres Shire Council Mayor Elsie Seriat OAM said the achievement reflected the community’s commitment to protecting the environment for future generations.

“Let’s continue to work together and be the change for our community where recycling is the cleaner way for us to save our environment,” Mayor Seriat said.

COEX Interim CEO Trevor Evans said the milestone demonstrated what could be achieved when communities, local government and the scheme worked together.

“This milestone is just the beginning. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved together and look forward to continuing our partnership with Torres Shire Council and the local community as we work towards two million containers and beyond,” Mr Evans said.

The Thursday Island depot is located at the island’s waste transfer station and plays a vital role in ensuring residents can participate in Queensland’s container refund scheme.

Since launching in 2018, Queenslanders have returned more than 1.2 billion eligible containers through Containers for Change, helping reduce litter, increase recycling and support charities, community groups and local fundraising efforts throughout the state.