Who’s Who in 2022, Community: Michael Smith

Michael Smith from Express Recycling Clontarf is dedicated to cleaning up the peninsula, protecting the environment and raising money to help vital not-for-profit organisations. He’s been hard at it in 2022.

Through the State Government’s Container for Change refund scheme, Michael is helping reduce the amount of recyclables that end up in rubbish bins and waste centres by encouraging people to recycle their eligible cans and bottles for a cash refund.

People can choose to keep their refund for themselves or donate the money to charity.

For Michael, giving back to his local community is important.

Through the scheme, he has helped to raise money for local not-for-profit groups including Moreton Bay Koala Rescue and The Mini Farm Project.

Throughout 2021, eligible drink containers that were placed into special recycling bins at the Redcliffe Markets were collected and cashed in to help Moreton Bay Koala Rescue Inc purchase new equipment.

In that 12-month period, more than 10,000 bottles were collected, which meant Michael, along with the organisers of the Redcliffe Markets, were able to hand over a cheque for $1001.40 in early 2022.

Speaking to Moreton Daily in February 2022, Michael said he was proud to give back to the local community.

“The partnership we have with the team from the Redcliffe Markets is very beneficial because not only does it makes more people recycle their cans and bottles and reduces landfill, but it also ensures no big businesses take the coins,” he said at the time.

Then in September, Michael met with Nick Steiner from the Mini Farm Project who was thrilled to receive $380 after 3800 bottles were collected and cashed in at Express Recycling Clontarf.

This money was to help Nick grow new crops at his new site at Wamuran, which will grow food for people in need.

Michael said it pays to put your recyclables in the correct bin.

“It goes to show by picking the right bin, you can make a big change for someone else,” Michael said.

“Not only have we helped to save the planet and divert more than 3000 items into landfill, but we are also helping to give people access to fresh food.”

About Michael Smith

Michael Smith is the Site Manager at Express Recycling at Clontarf, where people can turn their eligible glass, plastic and carboard drink containers into cash.

It’s easy to do, with people collecting their bottles and cans at home before taking them to the depot and recycling them for a 10-cent refund on each eligible item.

The scheme is designed to help reduce the number of recyclables ending up in landfill.

Most aluminium, glass, plastic, steel and liquid paperboard beverage containers between 150ml and 3L are eligible for a refund.