A new container recycling shopfront , which opened at Inala Civic Centre three months ago, has already seen 178,000 containers recycled and $17,800 retrieved.
The shopfront, operated by Panda Recycling, is part of a broader national push to make recycling easier than ever, company owner Jianming Su said.
“As a social enterprise, our goal is to make recycling easier, friendlier and more convenient for Inala locals,” Mr Su said.
“I’ve had the pleasure of meeting so many neighbours who tell me their stories.
For many, container recycling is more than a 10-cent refund, it’s a moment of trust and human connection.”
Containers for Change, a non profit recycling initiative has more than 350 locations state wide, where members of the public can recycle bottles, cans, and other containers for a 10 cent refund.
When recycling containers, locals can choose to receive cash, a bank transfer electronically or their funds can be donated directly to Brisbane South Toy Mission, a local charity that provides kids with toys.
The Inala Civic Centre shopfront has two ‘reverse vending machines’, labeled with detailed instructions in English and Vietnamese, that the public can deposit containers into and offers free container pick ups for properties or businesses in the local area.
Open seven days a week from 6:00am to 8:00pm, with in person services to assist those in the community who need help to count containers manually.
A spokesperson for Container Exchange, the charity behind Containers for Change, said the physical shopfront, which officially opened on 13 December with a celebration in Saigon Plaza, would bring the community together.
“Panda Recycling are true community champions, putting their customers first and creating a welcoming space where container recycling brings people together,” Mr Fitzgerald said.
“We look forward to hearing even more wonderful stories about how this shopfront is delivering not only environmental and economic benefits, but social connections that strengthen the Inala community.”
