Charters Towers Regional Council is embracing an outdoor initiative led by Containers for Change that provides locals and visitors with a practical way to recycle while also reducing litter and landfill.
Container Exchange Points are attachments to public bins or poles that allow people to leave their eligible beverage containers in a basket or rack to be collected by another in exchange for the 10-cent refund.
The Container Exchange Points are manufactured by two Brisbane-based social enterprises and provided to council for free by COEX, the not-for-profit organisation that runs Containers for Change.
COEX Chief Executive Officer, Natalie Roach said the initiative was a simple and practical solution to ensure containers consumed out-of-home could be easily recycled.
“Container Exchange Points are a convenient recycling solution for outdoor public spaces to prevent containers ending up as litter or in a bin destined for landfill,” Ms Roach said.
“They allow avid recyclers to easily access the containers and return them at the Containers for Change depot in Charters Towers to put more 10-cent refunds back into the community.”
Charter Towers Deputy Mayor, Kate Hastie said the Council was proud to support initiatives like Containers for Change, which not only promoted environmental sustainability but also delivered economic and social benefits for the community.
“These convenient Container Exchange Points make it easier for people to recycle when out and about, which helps to keep our region tidy, whilst also supporting local charities and driving positive change throughout the region,” Ms Hastie said.
“Twenty Container Exchange Points have already been attached to public bins and poles, providing convenient spots throughout Charters Towers to encourage recycling. This trial gives our community the chance to pay it forward, with options for people to claim their 10-cent refund or leave containers for others to collect.
“If an exchange point basket is full, we encourage people to try a nearby bin or take your container home to refund later — every container counts towards keeping waste out of landfill and our great community clean.”
Charters Towers Recycling Centre operator, Vanessa Bergersen said the Charters Towers community had embraced Containers for Change since the depot opened in November 2018.
“They love it, it’s great. It will be a race to get what’s in these baskets,” Ms Bergersen said.
Ms Bergersen said residents who wanted to recycle their containers in exchange for the 10-cent refund could sign up to the home collection service.
“All you’ve got to do at home is put that bottle into a bag or box and we can come and collect it for you for free,” she said.
“We want people to give it a go because it’s free and easy and can put a bit of money in your pocket or help out a local charity.”
