Whitsunday Coast Airport leads recycling initiative

Whitsunday Coast Airport is taking flight on a new sustainability initiative by officially joining the Containers for Change program.

All departments within Council’s Commercial Businesses Directorate will participate in the program, with an anticipated collective gain of approximately $80,000 annually through container refunds.

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said the initiative is a win-win for the environment and the community.

“This is about turning everyday recycling into real support for our local groups,” Mayor Collins said.

“Every eligible bottle or can collected at the airport helps keep valuable materials out of landfill and there is a strong opportunity to channel these funds into grassroots organisations in Airlie Beach, Proserpine, Bowen, and Collinsville.”

How the funds will be allocated is subject to future Council consideration, with options including support for local non-profits and sporting clubs across the region.

The program is delivered in partnership with a local contractor based in Bowen, ensuring the benefits stay within the region.

“Having a Bowen-based contractor manage this program means local jobs and local expertise are driving the impact,” Mayor Collins said.

“It’s another example of how we’re backing local businesses and creating practical environmental outcomes at the same time.”

Director of Commercial Businesses, Craig Turner, said the program demonstrates the airport’s commitment to leading by example.

“We’re in a unique position to show visitors and locals that small actions, like recycling a drink bottle, can make a big difference,” Mr Turner said.

“This program strengthens our sustainability credentials and showcases how our commercial operations can directly give back to the community.”

Mr Turner added that the Containers for Change initiative complements other major sustainability efforts at Whitsunday Coast Airport, including Virgin Australia’s partnership with Viva Energy to trial sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) on departing flights.

“Our team is proud to be part of projects that not only support the environment but also have the potential to deliver tangible benefits to local clubs and organisations,” he said.

Natalie Roach, the Chief Executive Officer of Container Exchange, the not-for-profit organisation that runs Containers for Change, said with thousands of people travelling through the Whitsundays every month, the airport’s initiative played a vital role in capturing beverage containers consumed away from home.

“Most containers not returned through Containers for Change are consumed out-of-home, but by joining the scheme, the Whitsunday Regional Council is helping to reduce landfill and litter in one of Queensland’s iconic destinations,” Ms Roach said.

Containers collected at the Whitsunday Coast Airport will be processed by Bowen-based Containers for Change operator Pilchers Recycling.

Stephen Pilcher, General Manager of Pilchers Recycling, said he was pleased to work with Council on the initiative.

“Our team have been working tirelessly in conjunction with Council and Container Exchange to ensure a smooth, hassle-free service is rolled out,” Mr Pilcher said.

To facilitate the initiative, three outdoor industrial recycling bins have been installed at the airport, with additional indoor bins arriving later this month.

For more information on Containers for Change, visit www.containersforchange.com.au.