City of Stirling hits 5 million Containers for Change

Less than five months after Containers for Change was launched, the City of Stirling has become the first refund point in Western Australia to process more than five million eligible containers.

The state-wide scheme offers a 10-cent refund for each eligible container at an approved refund point, with the objective of increasing recovery and recycling, reducing litter and providing opportunities for social enterprise and community benefit.

Open every day, the facility at 257 Balcatta Road offers a full-service drive-through and express bag drop and has proven to be very popular. It also supports employment of people with disability; a key objective for the City.

The eligible containers are hand sorted by type, and a breakdown of items shows with aluminium the most common item, followed by glass and clear plastic containers.

“Across the state, we use more than 1.3 billion eligible drink containers each year and as the largest local government authority in Western Australia, it’s important for us and our community to get behind shared recycling efforts,” Mayor Irwin said.

“To expand recycling opportunities, the City offers over 200 local schools, community organisations, businesses and sporting clubs new secure bins and a dedicated collection service.

“This provides our community with an easily accessible way to collect eligible containers and help fundraise for their own programs and projects, which can be reinvested to support the community during the recovery phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Any schools, club and businesses in the City of Stirling looking to boost their recycling and fundraising efforts are encouraged to contact the City for more information about the service.

To find out more, head to www.stirling.wa.gov.au/containers