Queenslanders use close to three billion beverage containers every year, which are the second-most littered item in the state, despite the fact they can be easily recycled.
To help minimise this impact, the Queensland Government introduced Containers for Change – a state-wide container refund scheme that gives people an incentive to collect and return containers for recycling, in exchange for a 10-cent refund payment.
Stockland Burleigh Heads has joined this eco-movement in partnership with Containers for Change, with all collected funds to benefit local not-for-profit charity, Act for Kids.
Act for Kids provides evidence-based professional therapy and support services, free of charge, to children and families who have experienced or at risk of harm.
Sharron Puck, Centre Manager at Stockland Burleigh Heads, says supporting local organisations such as Act for Kids is part of the centre’s commitment to making meaningful and lasting impacts in the lives of customers and the wider community.
“Act for Kids does such important work in our community, so it was an easy decision to support them when the opportunity arose.
“In addition to benefitting a great cause, we hope the program will empower customers to reduce their rubbish and increase recycling, in an effort to raise more awareness around eco-friendly living on the Gold Coast.”
Ken Noye, Chief Executive of the Container Exchange, the not-for-profit organisation responsible for administering the Containers for Change scheme, says the initiative is a win-win for the environment and the community.
“Recycling containers is a job for everyone and this initiative will allow Stockland customers to ensure their containers are disposed of correctly while they are shopping,” he says.