New Containers for Change collection baskets have been installed at local parks as Logan “leads the charge” in recycling.
Drop-off points where residents can collect cans that can be exchanged for 10c each have been set up at Alexander Clark Park and Tudor Park in Loganholme.
These parks join a growing list of more than 10 across the city that feature the Containers for Change baskets, which have helped Logan residents exchange more containers than anywhere else in south-east Queensland.
According to Container Exchange’s (COEX) Chief Executive Officer Natalie Roach, it is a scheme that creates “huge” environmental, social, and economic benefits.
In 2024, the first container exchange baskets in Logan were trialled in Bethania (Noffke Park), Meadowbrook (Riverdale Park), and Loganlea (Evergreen Park).
In April and May this year, basket collection points in Waterford (Tygym Park), Crestmead (Crestmead Park), Brown Plains (Berrinba Wetlands), and Berrinba (Demeio Park) were installed.
These were followed by collection points in Brown Plains (Forestglen Park and Waller Park Skate Park) and Boronia Heights (Boronia Bushland Reserve and Middle Park) in July and August.
Plastic, metal, and glass drink containers can be left in the baskets, which are emptied by the organisation, or could be taken and traded in by another person at a depot, bag drop, or reverse vending machine to collect a 10-cent refund.
“The initiative reduces container litter in public spaces like parks where there is limited or no access to a recycling bin,” Ms Roach said.
The concept of ‘containers for change’ has proved successful in Logan, with residents exchanging almost 200 million containers a year.
Since the first Containers for Change depot launched in Logan in 2018, more than 800 million drink containers have been recycled.
Ms Roach said in July that Logan leads the charge for container recycling in south-east Queensland.
“Last year there were 183 million containers returned in the City of Logan, which put $18.3 million back into the pockets of individuals, community groups and charities,” she said.
“Logan have achieved one of the highest container recovery rates in Queensland by enabling its residents to recycle whether that’s through convenient container refund points or providing them options to recycle while out-and-about with these attachments.”
More than 67% of recyclable containers across Queensland are recycled through Containers for Change, according to Ms Roach.
“Before Containers for Change, just 18 per cent of eligible containers sold in Queensland were recycled.
“There has also been a 60 per cent decrease in container litter since the scheme’s launch in 2018.
“This year marked more than 10 billion containers returned through Containers for Change, which has put more than $1 billion in 10-cent refunds back into the Queensland community.”
