More drop off points needed for container refund scheme as popularity soars
The Containers for Change scheme has grown in popularity since its inception but one southeast Queensland community is calling for more drop off points as current facilities are overflowing.
Redlands Coast
Don't miss out on the headlines from Redlands Coast. Followed categories will be added to My News.
QUEENSLAND has hit a milestone with the Containers for Change scheme attracting half a billion container returns but the Redlands community is in need of more facilities.
There are currently eight sites in Redlands where containers can be dropped off and some operators said that wasn’t enough.
SUBSCRIPTION OFFER: GET FULL DIGITAL ACCESS + JABRA WIRELESS HEADPHONES
A worker at a Lifeline store which accepted the containers said the Return-It site was “over popular”.
“We get filled up, we have limited space, so we get overfull quite often,” he said.
“Normally by Saturday afternoon we’re full so you’ve got all of Sunday with people wanting to drop off cans off and they can’t.
“Then we’ve got to stop accepting cans till we get emptied and at the moment we get emptied three times a week – it’s not enough for us.”
The worker said the drop off points were simply not designed to handle the popularity of the scheme and customers were not happy.
“These drop off points are designed for small amounts, not trailer loads and ute loads, so we’ve got to say sorry we can’t take them,” he said.
“(The response) is sometimes nasty.
“There is a need for more drop off points.”
Minister for Environment Leeanne Enoch said more and more Queenslanders were now on board with recycling.
“Containers for Change continues to go from strength to strength, providing financial incentives for recycling cans and bottles,” Ms Enoch said.
“The scheme has also helped create more than 640 new jobs and is providing more business opportunities across Queensland.
“More than 173,000 Queenslanders also now have a scheme ID, which shows Queenslanders are really getting behind the initiative.
“Studies conducted since the scheme started have shown there has been a 35 per cent reduction of containers ending up as litter in the environment, which is incredible.”
MORE REDLANDS NEWS
Do you know an inspiring senior?
Sewell’s surprise for superfan
Not-for-profit organisation Return-It said it would now provide trailers which would come with a set of 240L Return-It Bins and Bulka Bags free-of-charge to community groups, sports teams, schools and commercial organisations to encourage more returns.
Managing Director David Singh said the organisation was always looking for ways to support the community.
“Return-It is dedicated to helping its customers create a habit and is committed to reducing the number of recyclable items ending up in landfill or littered in our waterways,” he said.
““Through our trailer booking program, we wanted to provide access to trailers, Return-It bins and Bulka Bags to make it as easy as possible for our customers to return bulk eligible containers to our Depots.
“So they can put the money towards services and goods to support their work and the community.”
CONTAINERS FOR CHANGE POINTS IN REDLANDS
Advanced Metal Recyclers - Capalaba
Return-it - Salvos, Capalaba
Return-it - Footprints, Capalaba
Return-it - Lifeline, Capalaba
Return-it - Chiasso Coffee, Capalaba
Return-it - Salvos, Cleveland
Containers for Change - Victoria Point
Containers for Change - Mount Cotton (Pop-up site)
FOLLOW REDLANDS COMMUNITY NEWS
Mum riddled with cancer years after she thought battle was over
A Brisbane mother thought she had finally beaten breast cancer before the deadly disease returned with a vengeance. Samantha’s husband has now gone into fight for her.
Tight race expected as six do battle in bellwether seat
Six candidates will contest the southside seat of Springwood, traditionally known as a bellwether, with polls showing a tight race and pressing local issues shaping the campaign dynamics. HAVE YOUR SAY