The Department of Environment and Conservation says Western Australians have saved 765 million 10c containers from landfill during the first year of the Containers for Change Scheme.
In a statement, the Department said Containers for Change had become the most recognised recycling program in the State, injecting more than $122 million into the economy through refunds and handling fees for refund-point operators.
“A total of $2.5 million has been raised for community organisations and charities, with more than 800 schools using Containers for Change to raise funds for activities and resources,” it said.
“More than 730 jobs have been created through the State’s refund points and with 253 refund points across the State, Containers for the Change is now the most accessible container deposit scheme in Australia.”
Premier, Mark McGowan said Containers for Change continued to develop and grow partnerships with Local Governments, venues, events and organisations across the State in order to expand the collection network and change recycling behaviour.
“Containers for Change has provided many benefits to Western Australia,” Mr McGowan said.
“It’s delivered for the environment, for local jobs and for community groups and charities,” he said.
“The jobs that have been created include 76 for people of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and 227 people who were long-term unemployed or are living with a disability.”
Acting Minister for the Environment, Stephen Dawson said when Containers for Change was launched, an estimated 70 per cent of 10c containers were going to landfill.
“Now as many as 60 per cent of 10c containers are being recycled,” Mr Dawson said.
“This is a fantastic achievement,” he said.
“By returning 765 million 10c containers to Containers for Change refund points, Western Australians have fully realised the potential of each container, ensuring they can be re-used again and again,” Mr Dawson said.
