In a single day Calamvale Community College raised ~$1,000 by recycling approximately 10,000 donated bottles and cans.
Environment Minister and local MP Leeanne Enoch said the Palaszczuk Government’s Container Refund Scheme has been a success for local schools and the environment.
“Each year in Queensland, around three billion beverage containers are used, and those containers are also one of the most commonly littered items you see in our environment,” Ms Enoch said.
“Across the state, more than 167 million containers have been returned since the scheme started about three months ago.
“It’s absolutely amazing to see such an impressive example of community leadership and recycling coming from our own backyard.
College Council Chair Mike Butler said the scheme has greatly engaged the school community, and he anticipates support to grow consistently.
“Significant benefit will flow to the students and school in 2019,” Mr Butler said.
“Tens of thousands of dollars for doing the right thing by Mother Nature equals an awful lot of cake stalls and fundraising BBQ’s – it’s a great win all round.
Principal Lisa Starmer said the community has shown enormous support, and they’re expecting their next recycling run will be even bigger.
“Our first recycling run, in the last week of last year, was an enormous success collecting a pile of bags taller than our bus shelter and wider than the footpath,” Ms Starmer said.
“It’s so heartening to know that all that plastic is being safely disposed and our oceans are being protected.
Calamvale Community College teaches 1,200 students from Prep to Year 12.
Ms Enoch said the scheme has seen about 600 new jobs created across Queensland.
“In addition, more than 120,000 individuals, community groups and charities have signed up to get a scheme ID for Containers for Change.
For more information visit containersforchange.com.au or phone 13 42 42.
[ENDS] 28 January 2018