Care for Hedland environmental organisation celebrates 20 millionth Containers for Change deposit

Care for Hedland Environmental Association, a non-profit organization committed to preserving the Pilbara environment, has reached an incredible milestone with the 20 millionth container for change deposit. On March 9, the Containers for Change Refund Point depot in Wedgefield processed its 20 millionth container, a significant achievement in the recycling industry. Thanks to the Containers for Change program, Care for Hedland has helped save 20 million containers from ending up in landfills, resulting in a total refund of $2 million back into the Hedland community and surrounding areas. Since the launch of the Western Australian Return Recycle Renew (WARRRL) recycling initiative in October 2020, Care for Hedland’s Wedgefield Container Refund Point has returned over $240,000 to local charities and $160,000 to community groups. The initiative has been a resounding success, thanks to the support of local residents, businesses, and community groups. The 20 millionth container was brought in by long-time local resident, Tony Barron, who is one of many community members who have embraced the program. Mary Kate Day, a Care for Hedland container counter employee, expressed her pride and amazement at reaching this milestone. “It amazes me that we have actually counted 20 million containers,” she said. “I am very proud of my job, seeing our town so much cleaner, and knowing that all of these containers don’t go to landfill anymore just tops it off. “I want nothing more than to see our depot expand and evolve and continue to make a difference in our community”. Care for Hedland urged everyone who is not yet participating in the program to join in and return all eligible containers to the Wedgefield depot.