A scheme where you earn 10c for every recycled drink container is expanding in Logan as locals redeem a record $20 million.
New collection baskets have been installed at parks to allow locals who are unable to redeem the 10c reward themselves, to leave their eligible drink containers for others to collect.
These baskets can be found at Riverdale Park in Meadowbrook, Noffke Park in Bethania and at Evergreen Park in Loganlea.
The concept of ‘containers for change’ has proved successful in Logan, according to the organisation running the program, with local residents redeeming almost $20 million last financial year.
This is around 196 million recycled containers – a 9.6% increase on the previous financial year.
This financial year, container return volumes have increased by 12%, representing one of the highest year-on-year increases in the region.
In Logan, more than 800 million drink containers have been recycled through Containers for Change depots since the scheme was launched in 2018.
Container Exchange’s executive of network delivery, Thomas Juzwin said Logan was an early adopter of the new exchange points.
“Queenslanders are doing a fantastic job of recycling at home, but there are lots of containers being consumed out of home that we’re missing,” he said.
“Container Exchange Points provide a simple way to recycle eligible containers when you’re out and about.
“It’s also great for our community collectors, who can now safely collect containers and return them to local depots.”
Those depots then take the containers to processing facilities.
There are 15 container refund points in Logan, including depots, bag drops and reverse vending machines.
The city’s environment chair, councillor Miriam Stemp, said more Containers for Change baskets would be installed if the trial was successful.
“City of Logan residents are already enthusiastic participants in the Containers for Change program and we’re hoping that this visible new initiative will inspire even more people to take part,” Cr Stemp said.
Local councillor Tony Hall said it was a win for both the environment and the local economy.
“This initiative will divert waste from landfill and support individual collectors and community groups, some of whom rely heavily on income received from the Containers for Change program,” Cr Hall said.
For more information on container recycling, including where to return eligible containers, go to: containerexchange.com.au
