Peel region gears up to implement Containers for Change deposit scheme

As part of the Western Australian initiative, the Peel region will have four refund points to help deliver the scheme, including at the Peel Thunder Football Club and Mandurah Scrap Metal.

Containers for Change will provide a 10-cent refund for each eligible container returned for recycling at any authorised Containers for Change refund point from June 2, 2020.

Western Australia is the sixth state or territory to adopt a container deposit scheme.

Last week, Premier Mark McGowan and Environment Minister Stephen Dawson announced the first operators of refund points for the scheme that will see millions of bottles and cans diverted from landfill each year.

Sixty-five entities have been selected throughout the state to deliver 145 refund point locations.

Around 40 per cent of these will be operated by social enterprises including charities, disability sector organisations, Aboriginal corporations, and sporting and community groups.

At least four refund points will be operational in the Peel region by the time the scheme launches on June 2, with this number expected to increase by the end of the first year.

Mr McGowan said the Containers for Change network would grow significantly in the months, and years, after it is launched.

"More than 500 jobs will be created through Containers for Change. Refund point operators will provide job opportunities for all Western Australians, but particularly for people living with disability and long-term unemployed," he said.

"It's pleasing to see so many organisations from all sectors of the community getting on board.

"Western Australians have been calling for this type of recycling scheme for a long time. I'm proud that my government is implementing Containers for Change, which will deliver a big boost to recycling and create jobs."

Read more:

Over the next 20 years, the state-wide scheme is predicted to reduce littered containers by 706 million, cut the number of containers sent to landfill by 5.9 billion and see an increase in recycled containers by 6.6 billion.

Mr Dawson said, most importantly, the initiative would have a positive environmental impact.

"There are more than 1.3 billion eligible beverage containers used in Western Australia each year, and they make up 44 per cent of litter in our parks, streets and waterways," he said.

"Containers for Change will help to reduce litter, improve recycling rates, create new businesses and employment opportunities across the state, and provide a new way for community organisations and charities to raise money."

Murray-Wellington MP Robyn Clarke said it was the "most accessible and diverse" container deposit scheme in Australia.

"There are lots of community groups and P&C representatives in Murray-Wellington who are excited at the opportunity to fundraise, while helping the community to boost recycling," she said.

"People in Murray-Wellington want to do their bit to help the environment and they're keen to participate in the container deposit scheme to reduce litter and waste going to landfill."

Mandurah MP David Templeman agreed and encouraged Mandurah residents to take part.

"Ultimately, the more we are responsible for our own household waste, and ensure all recyclable material is recycled, the less waste ends up in landfill," he said.

WA Return Recycle Renew (WARRRL) chief executive, Tim Cusack, said that the public had already shown overwhelming support for the launch of the scheme that is set to significantly reduce landfill.

"It's been so great to see so many Western Australians getting behind a worthy initiative that not only helps our environment but will employ hundreds of West Australians," he said.

"To see a state-wide scheme that supports community engagement and betterment, alongside environmental education and action, is a truly exciting progression for WA.

"We're looking forward to June 2 when West Australians can begin to immerse themselves in what Containers for Change is all about - and earn cash as they do so."

Successful refund point operators applicants within the Peel include the Mandurah Scrap Metal and Peel Thunder Football Club.

Logistics and processing applicants have also been selected, with compacting trucks and on-site compacting to be used for the first time in any container deposit scheme in Australia, to create less heavy vehicle movements on local roads.

Refund point locations and operating hours will be available at www.containersforchange.com.au in May.