Queensland’s first commercial container refund scheme reverse vending machine has been installed at National Trust Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary as part of a partnership with TOMRA, one of the network operators for the Containers for Change deposit scheme.

The team at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary have cited sustainability as a key focus as they seek ways to reduce waste. 

Fabrice Miller, Chair for the sustainability and innovation committee, expects the initiative will help reduce the number of containers in general waste. 

“One of our sustainability committee goals here at our Sanctuary is to increase environmental awareness by using concepts such as closing the loop and also increasing recycling awareness,” said Fabrice. 

“This initiative helps us do just that and if the public choose to help us by using the reverse vending machine here at the sanctuary, then we will certainly be able to achieve our goal.” 

The partnership with TOMRA is two-fold, while helping the environment it will also raise funds to be reinvested into the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary’s sustainability initiatives. 

“Funds collected from the containers donated will be directly used to engage in further onsite environmental projects at the Sanctuary, involving local communities and other organisations.” 

Since the installation, the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has collected over 500 cans, plastic and glass bottles from the reverse vending machine. 

As well as using the container refund scheme reverse vending machine on site at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, people also have the option for a limited time to donate to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary directly through TOMRA Varsity Lakes. 

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