Queensland Containers for Change scheme launches

From today, Queensland residents will be able to claim 10c per eligible container returned at any recycling centres launched as part of the Queensland Containers for Change scheme.

Recycling company TOMRA is providing 10 recycling centres in South East Queensland, where containers can be returned using any of the centres’ nine reverse vending machines or a ‘drop and go’ bag drop service. Businesses and community groups with large numbers of containers to process will also have access to TOMRA’s high-volume bulk sorting and counting equipment.

The recycling centres form part of a state-wide effort to increase recycling rates and reduce drink container litter by incentivising consumers to return their empty beverage containers. As one of the major refund collection points for the scheme, TOMRA is looking to build on its success with the NSW Return and Earn scheme, where more than 800 million containers have been returned since it launched on 1 December 2017.

“We’re excited to bring our experience and success from the NSW Return and Earn scheme to the Containers for Change scheme and to give South East Queensland recyclers access to the most effective and efficient recycling systems,” said TOMRA’s National Director of Automated Depots, Laurie Minto.

“Our state-of-the-art centres help facilitate ‘clean loop’ bottle-to-bottle recycling, which means used containers are able to be recycled back into new containers rather than down-cycled into other products that then end up in landfill. This circular method of recycling drastically cuts down on the amount of new plastic being created.”

The recycling centres accept most major beverage containers that are consumed out of home and on the go, including glass beer bottles, plastic water bottles, soft drinks cans and liquid paperboard drink poppers. The main containers NOT eligible for return are wine bottles, spirit bottles, plain milk containers and cordial bottles.

Consumers will receive a 10-cent refund for all eligible bottles and cans redeemed, via retail cash vouchers, a digital refund via PayPal, or a donation to a local or state charity or community group. Drought relief charity Buy a Bale will be TOMRA’s inaugural major donation partner, providing timely assistance for our struggling farmers.

TOMRA’s 10 recycling centres across South East Queensland are located in Brisbane Metro (West End, Salisbury, Seventeen Mile Rocks, Tingalpa, Geebung and Crestmead), Ipswich, Toowoomba, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. Details on recycling centre locations and opening hours are available through www.containersforchange.org.au as well as the myTOMRA app. The app also offers electronic payout of recycling refunds and e-vouchers returnable to participating retailers for instant cash or a discount off your shopping.

Image caption: Artist’s impression of the recycling centre at Geebung.