Partnership brings recycling initiative to Redlands Coast

Redlands Coast residents can help others in the community share in the benefits of the Containers for Change refund program through a recycling initiative being trialled in Cleveland.

Container Exchange Points have been installed on selected bins in the Cleveland CBD where residents can deposit their eligible bottles and cans for others to collect and cash in at Containers for Change refund points.

Mayor Karen Williams said Container Exchange (COEX) was trialling the initiative at Cleveland for three months in partnership with Redland City Council.

“Council is proud to be involved in a nationally recognised, not-for-profit scheme that contributes to reducing the number of recyclables being dumped in public spaces or ending up in landfill,” Cr Williams said.

“Residents can participate by dropping their unwanted recyclable containers in any of the 12 marked Container Exchange Points located across the Cleveland CBD and Raby Bay harbour.

“Other members of the public can then collect these items and take them to Containers for Change refund points where they can earn 10 cents for each bottle or can recycled.”

Cr Williams said there was a pressing need to drive down rates of improper recycling in the community.

“Across Queensland, an estimated 150 million recyclable containers are entering the waste system through general waste bins in public spaces,” Cr Williams said.

“These figures demonstrate the need for councils everywhere to act urgently on waste management and improve education around proper recycling practices.

“Beyond its environmental value, the Container Exchange trial will allow residents to help other members of the Redlands Coast community.

“This is particularly apt around our national holiday when we celebrate the Australian values of giving back and supporting those in need.

“Money earned from containers recycled at refund points can be kept for personal use, such as paying bills, or donated to local charities, schools or community groups.

“Overall, the initiative will contribute to improving the triple bottom line of sustainability, which includes enhancing social, environmental and economic outcomes.”

Container Exchange CEO Natalie Roach said more than 7.5 billion containers had been returned for recycling since Containers for Change began in November 2018.

“Queenslanders have embraced Containers for Change, but we know each year millions of recyclable containers are still going to waste across Queensland,” Ms Roach said.

“Every one of those containers ending up in waste bins not only has an environmental impact but is also millions of dollars worth of 10-cent refunds ending up in landfill.

“A key driver of containers going to landfill is a lack of container collection bins in public spaces, which is why we are so excited to partner with Redland City Council for this initiative.

“We want locals to share in the benefits of Containers for Change and add to the more than $750 million in refunds paid out to individuals, households and community groups since the scheme began.”

Container Exchange Points have been strategically placed in areas of the Cleveland CBD and Raby Bay harbour where there is either high foot traffic or no recycling option to ensure maximum impact during the trial period.

Only items normally eligible for exchange through the Containers for Change program, such as plastic and glass bottles, can be placed in container recycling receptacles.

For more details about the Container Exchange Points, visit the Containers for Change website.