In a state first, Gold Coast shopping, dining and entertainment destination, Robina Town Centre, has partnered with Container Exchange to launch ‘Partners for Change’, a new drink container recycling initiative.
Robina is pledging to reduce its own footprint by diverting eligible containers sold within participating retailers from general waste systems to the new Partners for Change scheme – something it hopes will expand into other Queensland centres following the trial.
“As a place of mass social gathering and hub for the local community, we recognise the role we play and continue to develop our environmental, social and governance programs accordingly, adopting new practices that will continue to deliver positive outcomes for our rapidly expanding community,” explains Kathleen Hart, general manager of Robina.
“Together with Container Exchange, we’re looking forward to implementing this trial, and will work diligently to ensure it’s understood and widely adopted by our local community.
“The aim is to increase recycling and divert waste onsite at Robina, as well as providing customers with the knowledge to make positive changes at home too.”
Container Exchange operates the widely successful Containers for Change program that launched in late 2018, which has already paid out over $400 million to Queenslanders in refunds as a result of over four billion containers being recycled.
“The Partners for Change program is designed to help businesses and public spaces recycle through the scheme,” said Ken Noye Container Exchange CEO.
“This pilot will be a fantastic opportunity to increase recycling rates on the Gold Coast, while also empowering Robina customers with information to help them recycle more effectively at home.”
Customers can participate in the trial by disposing of eligible drink containers in specially marked bins within the Food Atrium.
Eligible containers include aluminium cans and plastic bottles showing the 10 cent refund mark, but doesn’t include coffee or takeaway drink cups.
Along The Promenade, retailers such as The Sporting Globe, El Camino, Motto Motto, TGI Fridays and Grill’d are supporting the initiative and will collect empty containers in a dedicated bin.
In addition to the environmental benefits, the pilot will also provide financial benefits for the local community with 100 per cent of refunds being donated to Mudgeeraba State Special School.
Volunteers from the school, as well as other local community groups, including Support Mates, have also put their hands up to assist with volunteering, helping to educate shoppers about the recycling program, and the types of bottles and containers that are eligible to return.
