Hotel hits recycling landmark

Sandstone Point Hotel has chalked up another milestone – recycling more than half a million items through Containers for Change.

On World Environment Day, it has been revealed the Hotel and Holiday Resort have together saved 512,000 containers from landfill.

All have been sent to Containers for Change and 10-cent-per-item refunds used to help reduce each venue’s environmental footprint.

So far, more than $50,000 has paid for more cleaning staff at major events to ensure all eligible containers and recyclable materials are properly separated.

“This proactive approach has resulted in a container capture rate of over 90 per cent, meaning for every 100 cans sold, fewer than 10 end up in landfill,” Sandstone Point Hotel General Manager Liam Bailey said.

“It reflects the hotel’s commitment to sustainability and environmental leadership in the region. Protecting our environment is something we take seriously.”

Natalie Roach, CEO of Container Exchange which runs Containers for Change, said including glass wine and spirit containers helped hospitality venues.

“Businesses like Comiskey Group that have integrated container recycling into their waste collection systems are creating a culture that embodies the environmental, social and economic values of the scheme,” she said.

Comiskey Group has collected more than 1.4 million containers across its five venues, using bright green collection bins, since joining Containers for Change.

“The response from staff and patrons has been really positive,"Mr Bailey added.

As part of World Environment Day, author and urban ecologist Darryl Jones will be at CREEC (Caboolture Region Environmental Education Centre) on Saturday.

His visit to CREEC - at 150 Rowley Rd, Burpengary - is to talk about what happens to animals when a city is built.

Moreton Bay City Council also recommends visiting a tip shop for second-hand bargains and help reduce items going to landfill.

Residential property owners can get up to four free plants a year using Council’s native plant vouchers. More details at www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au.