NEWS
How the Partners for Change program benefits local business
Helping Queensland businesses reduce their environmental impact and save money on waste management costs
Since the launch of Queensland’s Containers for Change recycling scheme in 2018, more than 4 billion drink containers have been returned by individuals and community groups. Intent on increasing Queensland’s beverage recycling rate to 85% by 30 June 2022, Container Exchange (COEX) is now partnering with Queensland businesses to launch the Partners for Change business program.
The CEO of COEX, Ken Noye, says the Partners for Change initiative is all about making it easier for businesses to recycle through the scheme while tracking their environmental impact and supporting their local communities.
“Partners for Change gives businesses the opportunity to remove eligible containers from their co-mingled waste stream, reducing their waste management costs,” Mr Noye says. “We provide partners with data on the environmental impact their recycling efforts are making, and the container refunds can be directed to causes that are important to the local community the business operates in.”
Kickstarting the Partners for Change program is Gold Coast-based shopping centre, Robina Town Centre. With more than 20 food and beverage retailers on-site, it’s hoped a significant amount of drinking containers can be diverted from landfill while also empowering customers to recycle more effectively at home.
Volunteers from Mudgeeraba State Special School and other community groups will help implement awareness activities with customers during the pilot. All participating retailers will have dedicated recycling bins available, and 100 per cent of refunds are donated to Mudgeeraba State Special School.
Once the Robina Town Centre pilot is completed at the end of September, both parties hope to continue running the program. Meanwhile, COEX is introducing more pilots into different business environments across Brisbane and Queensland to develop a sustainable operational model that can be implemented to the wider market. Solutions are being developed for food and beverage precincts, venues, stadiums, office towers, leisure precincts and multi-unit dwellings.
Brisbane businesses looking to participate in Partners for Change can email partners@containerexchange.com.au or visit the COEX website for more information.