CASH FOR TRASH

How you can make money with your cans, bottles

RESIDENTS will this week be able to exchange empty bottles and cans for money at one of six facilities in Toowoomba.

The Containers for Change program will begin on Thursday.

Lifeline Darling Downs will operate one of the facilities at its Perth St store.

“The progression into the program was a natural fit,” CEO Derek Tuffield said.

TOOWOOMBA residents will be able to trade in their used bottles and cans for cash at several locations around the city from Thursday.

The Queensland Government’s Containers for Change program will begin on November 1, which will allow consumers to exchange bottles and cans for a 10 cent refund.

Lifeline Darling Downs will also operate a container refund point at its Perth St store.

CEO Derek Tuffield said the charity was already in the business of recycling with its op shops.

“So the progression into the Containers for Change program was a natural fit,” Mr Tuffield said.

“Customers have the option to receive their refund when they drop off their containers or donate the funds to a charity registered with the scheme.

“We hope that customers will consider donating their refund to us as all funds raised go towards our suicide prevention and crisis support services to assist people living in this area.”

Toowoomba Regional Council waste portfolio leader Cr Bill Cahill said he did not believe the scheme would lead to a loss of revenue for the council, as a result of people cashing in their bottles themselves instead of putting them in their yellow kerbside bins.

“Not everyone will participate in the container recycling scheme, that’s normal human habit,” Cr Cahill said.

“It’s a worthwhile scheme, but at the end of the day the facts are where these schemes have been implemented before in other states and countries, statistics show not everyone participates in the schemes.

“More affluent areas don’t participate as much.”

Container refund facilities around Toowoomba include depots, where you can get the money immediately as cash or a deposit into your bank account, and drop-off points, where funds will later be deposited into your bank account after processing. The facilities are operated by a number of companies, including TOMRA and Re.Turn It.

Containers that will be accepted include most aluminium, glass, plastic, steel and liquid paper-board beverage containers between 150ml and three litres. Milk bottles, wine bottles and containers one litre or more that contained juice are not eligible.

For more on the scheme visit containersforchange.com.au.