Containers for change
Scheme starts today
NO ONE in Toowoomba is more excited for today’s launch of the Containers for Change refund scheme than Lifeline Darling Downs CEO Derek Tuffield.
Once depots and collection points around the state open this morning, people will be able to exchange empty cans and bottles for a 10 cent refund.
The charity will have several collection points in its stores around Toowoomba, as well as a larger depot at its Perth St store.
“It’s been a never-ending journey to get here, but it’s good it’s finally here,” Mr Tuffield said.
“Clients can donate the money from the cans and containers to Lifeline or another charity, or they can have it placed into their bank account.
“What we will see is a greater benefit to the wider community with less rubbish on the ground and hopefully an increase in generation of revenue for our services.”
Lifeline isn’t the only local organisation that hopes the container refund scheme will provide a boost in revenue.
It is believed a number of school P and Cs across the region and state will tomorrow launch their push to get parents and the community to donate bottles and cans to them.
Acting chair of container exchange, the organisation tasked with establishing and running the container refund scheme, Alby Taylor said Qld had one of the nation’s highest littering rates.
“Forty-five per cent more plastic rubbish is found in this state than in the rest of the country,” Mr Taylor said.
“Just one year’s worth of container litter in this state would go around the world roughly 10 times if laid end-toend.
“Containers for change will help improve recycling rates, reduce litter and provide opportunities for charities, community groups and other notfor-profit organisations,” he said.
Lifeline will operate collection points at its Perth St store, its Herries St store and its Anzac Ave store.
Photo: Kevin Farmer