The Sunshine Coast’s newest Containers for Change refund point has attracted loads of attention, as residents cash in and contribute to a good cause.
The drive-in depot on Strong Street in Baringa has already received 600,000 containers for recycling since it started operating in October.
Environment Minister Leanne Linard and Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt officially opened the facility on Friday.
The depot with automated counting machines enables customers to quickly and easily return their containers and receive their refunds. It’s staffed seven days a week and offers a 24-hour bag drop service for customers wanting to leave their containers and go.
The new facility adds to the more than 360 refund points across Queensland that accept eligible containers under the state government’s container refund scheme, which was expanded on November 1 to include glass wine and pure spirit bottles.
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Since Containers for Change launched in November 2018 more than 7.4 billion containers have been returned to refund points across Queensland.
Environment Minister Leanne Linard said the scheme was “going from strength to strength”.
“The popularity of the scheme has only increased since all Queensland Containers for Change refund points started accepting empty glass wine and pure spirit bottles in November in exchange for 10-cent refunds,” she said.
“Containers for Change is great for Queenslanders’ hip pockets as well as the environment. Since it began, more than $740 million has been returned to Queenslanders’ pockets, including around $11 million to charities and community groups.”
Mr Hunt said locals had already embraced the new facility.
“The Sunshine Coast is synonymous with a clean, green, active lifestyle so it’s no surprise that Containers for Change has been so enthusiastically embraced here,” he said.
“We love our environment and our beaches and taking proactive actions to reduce our waste and recycle wherever possible.
“Today is just the official opening. This facility has been operating since October and has already processed almost 600,000 containers.
“So, it will only grow from here, especially over Christmas.
“Why not turn it into a game for the kids and encourage them to collect bottles and cans from family and friends through the festive season to see how much pocket money they can make?”
Container Exchange CEO Natalie Roach said the facility was in a perfect location.
“The Sunshine Coast’s new Containers for Change refund point is strategically positioned to serve this rapidly growing region and is expected to be popular with locals and holiday makers alike,” she said.
“This impressive new depot in Baringa means the community can earn refunds more conveniently than ever before, with a range of return options including a 24-hour bag-drop service to make it even easier for those in a hurry.
“With holiday celebrations getting underway, now is the perfect time for Sunshine Coast households to kickstart their container collecting and cash in on the drinks they enjoy during the festive season.
“Over the last five years, more than 7.4 billion containers have been returned for recycling through the Containers for Change network.
“The scheme has also supported more than 935 jobs across Queensland, with many of these in regional areas, supporting local economies such as here in this fast-growing part of the Sunshine Coast.”
Owner/manager of Strong Street Recyclers (the Baringa depot operator) Ajay Dharam said it was also backing local groups.
“Community is at the heart of everything we do, which is why we chose the fast-growing Baringa area to open this brand-new Containers for Change facility for locals,” he said.
“In addition to providing a convenient way for local families to recycle and cash-in by returning their eligible containers, the depot is proudly providing support to local community groups and charity organisations including the Men’s Shed.
“We are also supporting local jobs and have employed five staff, with a sixth position soon to be added. With plenty of room to expand our operation as this area of the Sunshine Coast continues to grow, we look forward to being a valued part of the community for years to come.”
