Fremantle embraces Containers for Change

Residents of Fremantle and surrounding suburbs will be able to drop off empty bottles, cans and cartons at the City of Fremantle’s new refund point when WA’s Container Deposit Scheme kicks off on 2 June.

The City of Fremantle was one of 145 organisations chosen to operate a refund point as part of the Containers for Change scheme, which will allow people to claim a 10 cent refund for every eligible beverage container they hand in.

Fremantle Council this week approved the City’s participation in the scheme and the setting up of a refund point at the City of Fremantle works depot.

Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt said the Containers for Change refund point represented an exciting opportunity for the City and the community.

“Experience with container deposits schemes in other states has shown they result in a dramatic reduction in litter and a huge increase in recycling rates, so it’s terrific that one is finally being introduced in WA,” Mayor Pettitt said.

“Containers for Change will also create a great fundraising opportunity for schools, sporting clubs and community groups, who can collect up all their empty bottles and cans and bring them into the City’s refund point to claim their 10 cents.

“Once we’ve covered the initial set-up costs we expect the refund point will also make a small profit for the City, which we will then be able to re-invest back into the community.”

The City of Fremantle’s refund point will be located next to the Fremantle Recycling Centre and Reuse Shop opposite the golf course on Montreal Street.

People depositing containers will be able to claim their refund through an electronic funds transfer directly into their bank account or as a cash payment.

They will also be able to donate their refund to a participating organisation, school or charity.

Population estimates for the area indicate Fremantle’s refund point would cater for about 42,000 people, with conservative estimates suggesting it would receive an average of 2622 containers an hour, almost 20,000 containers a day and 7.2 million containers a year.

Eligible containers include most aluminium, glass, plastic, steel and liquid paperboard beverage containers between 150ml and three litres which are typically consumed outside the home.

Containers not commonly found in litter - such as plain milk cartons, wine and spirit bottles – are not included.

For more information visit the Containers for Change website.