In a Queensland first, Robina Town Centre has launched a new drink container recycling initiative called 'Partners for Change' with not-for-profit organization Container Exchange.
Launched in late 2018, Container Exchange's Containers for Change program has already paid out over $400 million to Queenslanders in refunds as a result of more than 4 billion containers being recycled.
Robina Town Centre Customers will be able to dispose eligible drink containers in specially marked bins within the Food Atrium. Eligible containers include aluminum cans and plastic bottles showing a 10-cent refund mark.
Queensland is estimated to consume over 2.7 billion drink containers each year, which often end up contaminating waterways or in landfill when not recycled correctly.
"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 (ESG) programs accordingly, adopting new practices that will continue to deliver positive outcomes for our rapidly expanding community," says Robina Town Centre general manager Kathleen Hart.
The shopping centre has pledged to reduce its own footprint by diverting eligible containers into the scheme. Retailers on board include The Sporting Globe, El Camino, Motto Motto, TGI Fridays and Grill'd.
Partners for Change CEO Ken Noye says the scheme is designed to help businesses and public spaces recycle.
"This pilot will be a fantastic opportunity to increase recycling rates on the Gold Coast while also empowering Robina Town Centre customers with information to help them recycle more effectively at home," he says.
The trial will provide financial benefits to the local community, with 100 per cent of refunds being donated to Mudgeeraba State School.
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