About 1.4 trillion beverage containers are used worldwide every year.
Many containers are sadly disposed of in landfill or waterways, but Noosa’s new reverse vending machine is looking to reduce and recycle containers bit by bit.
The Ecoboxtec machine, based at the Resource Recovery Centre in Noosa is starting to gain momentum, attracting about 3400 items weekly.
Waste Services manager Kyrone Dodd wants to significantly increase that number and is challenging residents to become change makers.
“This machine can handle nearly four-times what we are currently recycling, so I encourage locals to start earning from what they return,” he said.
“It’s quick, convenient and accurate and recycling containers, cans and bottles are a great way to earn some extra cash,” Mr Dodd said.
Statistics show aluminium cans account for nearly half of what is recycled, followed by glass.
Every item recycled is worth 10 cents and as from the start of November, wine and spirit bottles are also accepted.
Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart said the machine can play an important role in conserving landfill space.
“We have just adopted a new waste Plan for the shire and this council has a goal of continually increasing diversion of recyclable material from landfill. This is a simple but effective way to start,” she said.
The facility at Doonan is fast becoming a recycling hub.
The new polystyrene recycling machine is crushing about 286 cubic metres of polystyrene a month. We are now taking a regular load from Gympie Regional Council.
The Reviva Shop, operated by Resource Recovery Australia, is like stepping into a hidden treasure trove on steroids.
Council has partnered with the not-for-profit social enterprise to transform waste into opportunities . The shop is at 561 Eumundi-Noosa Road, Doonan adjacent to the Reverse Vending Machine.
“We have really established a convenient one-stop recycling hub where people can make a difference to the environment,” Mr Dodd said.
Reviva Noosa is certainly not your ordinary garage sale. You will continually find a mesmerising array of homewares, furniture, plants, garden ornaments, jewellery and much more.
So if you plan on recycling some cans and bottles at the reverse vending machine, take some time to explore, discover, and potentially snag yourself a bargain before they vanish into the homes of other lucky treasure hunters.
