With a planned introduction of a Container Refund Scheme and plastic bag ban in Queensland scheduled for July 2018, Member for Barron River Craig Crawford is hosting a forum on Tuesday, October 3 for local community organisations to explain the benefits of these measures.

“We are all sick of littering and waste, and these measures promise to reduce these problems and create new business opportunities in collection and recycling,” Mr Crawford said.

“Importantly, they provide a fundraising opportunity for local charities and community groups in Cairns.

“It is amazing how much we waste, and if scouts, guides, nippers and sporting groups collect containers to redeem the cash the amounts can really add up.

“It is a big win for everyone, we cut down on litter, we cut down on waste, there is a big incentive to recycle and there is a cash benefit.”

The forums will feature a presentation from the Boomerang Alliance, a community organisation that is a member of the State Government Advisory Committee on the Container Refund Scheme.

“Container refund schemes enjoy significant public support in Queensland, although many don’t fully understand how they work’ said Toby Hutcheon, Queensland Manager of the Boomerang Alliance.

“We hope this forum will explain the system and most importantly the benefits that local community organisations could receive by participating in bottle and can collections.”

The presentation will also outline the proposed ban on single use plastic bags.

The forum will also feature a Q&A session to answer any community questions.

Fast Facts

• In Queensland, there is an estimated 2.4 billion bottles and cans ever year, most are wasted or littered.
• Beverage containers between 150 ml and 3 litres will attract a 10 cent refund on return.
• Collection points include Reverse Vending Machines at retail outlets and public places and collection depots. Containers can still be put in kerbside recycling bins.
• Community groups who collect donated cans and bottles could share in an estimated $25 million in QLD per year.
• About 1 billion plastic bags are used in Queensland every year, with about 16 million littered.
• Countries and places that have banned the bag report less plastic litter and a change of public habits towards reusable bags.
• Thicker bags, barrier bags and bin liners will still be available for use.
• The best alternative to plastic shopping bags is to use your own reusable bag

For more information regarding the forum to be held on Tuesday, 3 October please contact Kellie Lindsay from Boomerang Alliance kellie.lindsay@boomerangalliance.org.au or 0415 531 640

Media contact: 4229 0100