Published Wednesday, 17 April, 2013 at 10:08 AM

Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection

The Honourable Andrew Powell

Minister for Environment and Heritage Andrew Powell has announced a major initiative with KFC food outlets to introduce recycling bins at 43 stores in Queensland.

The Newman Government contributed $40,000 to the project, which was launched at KFC, Kelvin Grove.

“We’re proud to have partnered with the Packaging Stewardship Forum, the Australian Packaging Covenant and Closed Loop to introduce public place recycling facilities into KFC stores,” Mr Powell said.

“We strongly support industry taking responsibility for the life-cycle of their products.”

“This project is part of the national recycling initiative, Do the Right Thing, Use the Right Bin, and funded through the Australian Packaging Covenant partnership with our contribution.

Mr Powell said the initiative would help protect the environment by diverting waste from landfill and reducing litter in public places.

“It can also provide opportunities to turn waste products back into valuable resources, supporting a healthy economy and a healthy environment,” he said.

“This program is an example of how partnerships between government, industry and the community can work to deliver environmental outcomes.”

Mr Powell said KFC stores had led the way for other fast food chains.

“If the project is replicated to all 3000 quick service restaurants across Australia, then a further 12,500 tonnes of waste could be diverted from landfill for recycling,” he said.

Mr Powell said the program was already operating in KFC stores in Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia and has nationally helped divert more than 1,800 tonnes of recyclable cardboard, bottles and cans from littering the landscape.

“Fast food litter is an ongoing problem and while an increasing number of Queensland homes are recycling, we aren’t seeing the same trend with littering in public spaces,” Mr Powell said.

“That’s why I commend food outlets that actively encourage customers to dispose of their rubbish properly and I hope to see chains adopt this measure in the future.

“This will also give people a daily reminder to recycle their litter and make a real difference to our environment.”

[ENDS] 17 April 2013

Media contact: Lyn Keep 0419 620 299