Containers for Change is a new state-wide container deposit scheme that lets you cash in eligible containers for 10 cents each when they are returned to an approved Containers for Change refund point, encouraging recycling and creating a cleaner WA for everyone.
The scheme provides an exciting fundraising opportunity for schools, local sports clubs, community groups and charities; you even have the option to donate your 10 cent refund to a community group, charity or school of your choice.
In WA, we use more than 1.3 billion eligible drink containers each year and it accounts for 44% of litter.
Why do we need the scheme?
Less Litter:
South Australia has been doing this for years with containers accounting for only 3% of litter, much less than the 44% currently found in Western Australia.
Less Waste to Landfill:
Around 1.3 billion eligible beverages are consumed in Western Australia every year. Over 10 years that’s 13 billion containers – enough to fill Optus Stadium three times or enough drink containers to line a path from Perth to Broome.
Creates Employment & Opportunities:
Recycling has positive economic benefits—creating more jobs than sending waste to landfill. Every 10,000 tonnes of waste recycled creates 9.2 full-time jobs compared with 2.8 jobs when the same amount of waste is sent to landfill.
Containers for Change will create opportunities for some of our most vulnerable people with a key objective of the scheme to support employment of people with a disability and the long-term unemployed.
IT’S AS EASY AS 1, 2, 3…
1. Collect eligible containers
Most aluminium, glass, plastic, steel and liquid paperboard drink containers between 150ml and 3L are eligible.
2. Take them to a refund point
There are different types of refund points across Western Australia, so find the right one for you.
3. Earn a refund or donate
You’ll receive 10 cents for every eligible container you return which you can keep or donate.
Containers for Change – Where to Return
You can find your nearest Containers for Change on their website, or we have listed the centres below that are local to City of Melville.
- Bibra Lake – Ability Centre – 30 Miguel Rd, Bibra Lake
- Booragoon – Good Sammy Recycling – Units 3 & 4, 491 Marmion Street, Booragoon
- Cockburn – Return it – 12 Blackly Row, Cockburn Central
- Cockburn Central – Scouts WA Recycling – 54 – 56 Cooper Road, Cockburn
- Coogee – WA Container Exchange – Coogee Community Hall, 19 Arlington Loop, Coogee
- Fremantle – Containers for Change – 83 Knutsford St, Fremantle
- Fremantle – Drop Off – City of Fremantle Reception, 70 Parry Street, Fremantle
- Hamilton Hill – WA Container Exchange – Davilak Park, Lucius Road, Hamilton Hill
- Myaree – Tomra Recycling Centre – 46 McCoy Street, Myaree
- O’Connor – WA Container Exchange – 29 Bowen Street, O’Connor
- Willetton – Good Sammy Recycling – Unit 4, 147 High Road, Willetton
Your local school might also be collecting! Participating schools are eligible to receive the full 10 cents refund on all Container for Change approved containers as credit or cash and it is a great new way to fundraise for your school.
Making change is easy. Collect your eligible containers instead of tossing them in the waste, then drop them off at a refund point where you can either keep or donate your 10 cent refund. Not only is it great for the environment, but it’s also a great way for the kids to make some pocket money or support local charities, schools and community groups.
For more information on the Containers for Change Story or to find out how you can get involved, you’ll find some great resources on their website.
