Containers for Change cash for recyclables program rolled out in Cairns

TODAY’S roll out of the Containers for Change program is what some recyclers have been waiting almost two years for. Find out where to recycle your containers in FNQ.

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A CAIRNS recycling industry stalwart insists his facility is ready for today’s statewide rollout of the Containers for Change program.

North Queensland Recycling Agents owner Ian Kermode has worked in the recycling industry for 28 years and says the program is the biggest innovation he has seen.

“It is something that has had to come because garbage contractors should have never been employed to pick up recycling,” he said.

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Queenslanders can now receive a 10c refund for any eligible cans, glass or plastic bottle cleaned and returned to a registered recycling location.

Concerns have been raised recycling agents registered with the scheme’s operator Container Exchange (COEX) will not be ready in time even after a three-month delay to ensure a faultless rollout.

Frantic preparations were under way across Cairns yesterday.

Cairns Containers for Change collection points.

Mr Kermode said transferring the responsibility of providing clean cans, plastic and glass bottles on to the public would revolutionise the industry and trigger a fundamental shift in the way people viewed recyclable material.

“This is the best thing that could happen. Because you are going to get fined for buying the bottle but you will get your money back for recycling it and there will be no rubbish in the street,” he said.

There are eight refund sites in Cairns that have registered with COEX using pre-individually tagged items and over-the-counter depots that manually count cans while you wait.

A mobile service will operate from Yarrabah and Mareeba.

Facilities are also in place at Port Douglas, Atherton, Cooktown, Yarraden, Coen, Archer River, Mapoon, Lockhart River and Weipa.

Owner of North Queensland Recycling Agents Ian Kermide in the container drop off area PICTURE: ANNA ROGERS

While most aluminium, glass, steel, plastic and liquid paperboard containers between 150ml and 3 litres are eligible, there are some exceptions, such as glass wine bottles and plain milk containers.

Environment Minister Leeanne Enoch said more than 230 refund points were getting ready to open today.

“Sadly, containers are one of the most commonly littered items, despite the fact they are easy to recycle,” she said.

LNP environment spokesman David Crisafulli said the scheme’s had already been delayed by three months.

“It’s Queenslanders who count the cost for poor implementation. Everyone will now pay more for their drinks and many have no way of being able to do the right thing by their hip pocket and the environment,” he said.

REFUND POINTS

Return-It, Earlville

479 Mulgrave Road, Earlville

Type: Drop-offs (bag it, tag it, drop it)

Palm Tree Recyclers

Lot 15-17, 12 Franzmann Street, Bungalow

Type: Over-the-counter depots

North Queensland Recycling Agents

152 Newell Street, Bungalow

Type: Over-the-counter depots

Return-It, Woree

14 Spoto Street, Woree

Type: Drop-offs (bag it, tag it, drop it)

Originally published as Containers for Change cash for recyclables program rolled out in Cairns