Recycling trailblazers from across Western Australia were recognised for their efforts at last Friday’s Change Maker Awards.
The awards celebrated the achievements of community groups, businesses, schools, and refund point operators which have embraced the state’s Containers for Change container deposit scheme.
Albany Secondary Education Support Centre and MR Refund were named joint winners of the night’s top honour: the Change Maker of the Year Award.
Albany Secondary Education Support Centre – an independent public school catering to students with disabilities from years 7-12 – was recognised for its ASESC Rec Collection program. The program involved students developing a business around the collection of containers from several City of Albany sites, providing valuable experience to students, a fundraising stream, and an environmental service to the community. Albany Secondary Education Support Centre was also awarded School of the Year.
MR Refund – a family-fun refund point servicing Margaret River and Dunsborough Cowaramup – was recognised for going above and beyond for its customers, and implementing initiatives across the business to improve collection volume, customer satisfaction, and accessibility. MR Refund was also awarded Medium Refund Point Operator of the Year.
Other winners on the night included Bremer Bay Primary School P&C Association (Community Group or Charity of the Year), Viktor Strizek: Recycleman Perth (Individual of the Year), Freshwater Quality Management (Business of the Year), Newdegate Container Exchange (Volunteer Refund Point Operator of the Year), Ashburton Aboriginal Corporation (Small Refund Point Operator of the Year), and Return It WA (Large Refund Point Operator of the Year).
Environment Minister Reece Whitby congratulated the winners and finalists for their work in the fight against waste to landfill.
“What a fantastic night to acknowledge the dedication of our waste warriors, who are leading the way in reducing, reusing and recycling,” he said.
“Western Australians have truly embraced Containers for Change, and it’s exciting to see the scheme go from strength to strength.”
Containers for Change Chief Executive Officer Tim Cusack reflected on a year of accomplishments for the scheme.
“The awards are a great opportunity to acknowledge the meaningful contributions being made to reduce landfill and help community groups across our state,” he said.
Since its introduction in 2020, Containers for Change has collected more than 1.67 billion containers for recycling. The scheme has created 820 jobs, and donated more than $6.21 million to almost 5000 community groups, charities, and schools.
There are now 262 refund points across the state, run by 76 operators.
For more on the winners and finalists, visit: www.warrrl.com.au
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