Plant takes out top gong

SERVICE with a smile has earned a Bowen recycling plant one of the top gongs in a statewide award ceremony.

The Change Maker Awards recognise the hard workers behind the Containers for Change scheme across Queensland.

In a virtual ceremony hosted by Channel 7 presenter and former Queensland Origin player Shane Webcke, Pilchers Recycling took out the inaugural People’s Choice Award.

The Bowen recycling outlet, which runs out of the familyowned Pilcher’s Mitre 10 store, was also nominated in both the safety and innovation categories.

Pilcher’s Mitre 10 director Stephen Pilcher credited the win to his team’s attitude towards customers.

“We really focus on the team culture and the team just really having exceptional customer service,” he said.

Mr Pilcher said the Bowen outlet also helped co-ordinate a free loan bin collection service for local charities and sporting clubs.

“It’s about making it easier for people and just putting the scheme in front of them,” he said.

“We’ve found that by making it easier for people and being extra friendly, the participation is very high.”

The plant in Bowen opened in February 2019 and Mr Pilcher said it had been operating above the state average for the redemption rate. Pilcher’s Recycling also operates a Container Refund Point at Collinsville and has created five full-time jobs and 11 casual opportunities across the two sites.

Mr Pilcher thanked the teams at both plants for their hard work and effort.

“It really is their award,” he said.

“They’re the ones at the coalface where the rubber meets the road talking to the customers and processing the refunds. It’s the Bowen and Collinsville community’s award too, for really getting behind us and supporting us, Mr Pilcher said.

“For the team and for the town I think that award is.”

Container Exchange chief executive Ken Noye said it was great that leaders’ efforts in the scheme were recognised.

“It is encouraging to see the businesses highlighted in the Change Maker Awards come from a range of different areas across Queensland,” he said.

“The scheme provides business opportunities for people who live in the larger cities and regional centres through to smaller, more remote communities.

“This in turn creates jobs and drives back important funds to businesses, individuals and families, as well as sporting and community groups.”

In just two years, the scheme has reduced rubbish from drink containers by 54 per cent across the state.