More than 283 million containers have been recycled since the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation launched Containers for Change on 1 October, last year.
The program gives Western Australians an opportunity to return eligible drink containers for a 10¢ refund.
Minister for the Environment, Amber-Jade Sanderson said many people had chosen to use Containers for Change as a way to give back to their community by donating their refunds to local charities and community groups.
She said more than $1.2 million had been donated to 3,000 charities and community groups, including hundreds of schools and local sporting organisations.
“The scheme has also increased the recycling rate in Western Australia, and diverted tonnes of recyclable material from landfill,” Ms Sanderson said.
“Over 11,000 tonnes of glass, 970 tonnes of aluminium and 258 tonnes of clear PET (plastic) has been sent to recyclers to date.”
She said this had been an amazing start to Containers for Change.
“It’s clear from these early results that West Australians are enthusiastic about recycling, and want to do their part to make sure we avoid sending recyclable materials to landfill,” the Minister said.
She said 10¢ per container added up, “and I am sure that funds raised are making a real difference to the groups and organisations who do important work in our local communities”.
