Turning waste into water — Bottles for the Bush

To coincide with the start of National Recycling Week, TOMRA has launched a drought appeal called Bottles for the Bush. The recycling appeal program allows Aussies to donate their empty drink bottles and cans through TOMRA’s reverse vending machines to help rural families struggling with drought and bushfires. The program aims to raise $250,000 for Rural Aid this summer — a charity dedicated to supporting rural communities in need.

“With 99% of NSW and 66% of Queensland officially in drought, we felt compelled to do our bit for those living in areas most impacted. If we can encourage people to donate some of their drink containers in our cities, and thereby provide much-needed funds to our farmers and rural communities, that’s going to make a positive difference,” commented Ryan Buzzell, TOMRA President Australia.

From today, recyclers will have the option to donate their container refund via all TOMRA recycling machines by simply selecting Bottles for the Bush, with Rural Aid the recipient of 10 cents per eligible bottle or can. The company is urging people to spare a thought for struggling rural communities by selecting the donation option over claiming the refund on their containers themselves.

“Based on the popularity of container deposit schemes in Australia, we are optimistic the nation can help us reach our goal of 2.5 million containers (the equivalent to a quarter of a million dollars) over the summer. In fact, we see around four million containers returned daily in NSW alone and if every one of these were donated towards Bottles for the Bush, we could raise $40,000 a day,” added Buzzell.

The campaign will run until 23 February 2020.

National Recycling Week is an initiative of environmental organisation Planet Ark. To learn more about the week, visit https://recyclingnearyou.com.au/nationalrecyclingweek/.

Image credit: @thesituationroomtv