In its first year of operations, Queensland’s container deposit scheme Containers for Change has seen one billion containers returned.
Environment Minister Leeanne Enoch said the return rate is a third higher than predicted.
“On average, we’re currently seeing more than 3.4 million containers a day being returned across the state,” Ms Enoch said.
“These containers were the second most littered item in our state, but since the scheme started there has been a greater than 35 per cent reduction in containers ending up as litter.”
Ms Enoch said the scheme has also seen $100 million returned to Queenslanders and community groups.
“More and more small businesses are getting involved in running refund points, and charities and community groups are also seeing the benefits through fundraising activities,” Ms Enoch said.
“Ten cents per container adds up; and in the last 12 months more than $100 million has gone back to individuals, families, community groups and charities, including RSPCA Queensland who have raised about $3500 in donated refunds.”
Ms Enoch also announced that the state government is offering funding to more than 100 not-for-profit and community organisations to help the scheme grow, and provide a boost to fundraising efforts.
“The state government is committed to boosting recycling with well over 100 infrastructure grants being offered to not-for-profit organisations,” Ms Enoch said.
“These grants of up to $10,000 will help community groups, charities and not-for-profit organisations purchase the equipment necessary to be donation points, the refunds from these donated containers going directly back to the community group.”
Container Exchange CEO Ken Noye said the scheme is supporting economic and job growth, with more than 700 jobs created across Queensland.
“One of the biggest benefits of the scheme has been the employment opportunities provided to young job-seekers, individuals with a disability, people re-entering the workforce and the long-term unemployed,” Mr Noye said.
“The economic benefits have also reached families, community groups, schools and sporting clubs, as a whole new revenue stream has been created.”
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- QLD Containers for Change recycles 5M in first week
- QLD cracks 100 million returned containers with refund scheme