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First stage of WA's container deposit scheme network, Containers for Change, announced

145 refund point locations selected, with 40 per cent to be operated by social enterprises and non-profits

More than 500 jobs expected to be created as part of the network across the State

Containers for Change will launch on June 2

The McGowan Government has today announced the first operators of refund points for Western Australia's new container deposit scheme that will see millions of bottles and cans diverted from landfill each year.

Launching on June 2, Containers for Change will allow Western Australians to claim a 10-cent refund when they return eligible beverage containers at designated refund points across the State.

Sixty-five entities have been selected to deliver 145 refund point locations. Around 40 per cent of refund points will be operated by social enterprises including charities, disability sector organisations, Aboriginal corporations, and sporting and community groups.

Refund points will be established in every region across the State, from the Kimberley to the Great Southern. The number of refund points across the State will grow to at least 172 by June and to 229 by the end of the scheme's first year. Refund point locations and operating hours will be available at http://www.containersforchange.com.au in May.

It is estimated more than 500 jobs will be created at refund points across the State, including hundreds of jobs to be targeted at employing people living with disability, the long-term unemployed and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, as well as opportunities for apprentices and trainees.

Logistics and processing applicants have also been selected, with state-of-the-art compacting trucks and on-site compacting to be used for the first time in any container deposit scheme in Australia.

This will mean less heavy vehicle movements on Western Australian roads - the equivalent of one truck instead of five.

Comments attributed to Premier Mark McGowan:

"WA's first container deposit scheme, Containers for Change, is taking shape and it's pleasing to see so many organisations from all sectors of the community getting on board.

"Western Australians have been calling for this type of recycling scheme for a long time. I'm proud that my Government is implementing Containers for Change, which will deliver a big boost to recycling and create jobs.

"Today's announcement is just the starting point for the Containers for Change network, which will grow significantly in coming months and years.

"More than 500 jobs will be created through Containers for Change. Refund point operators will provide job opportunities for all Western Australians, but particularly for people living with disability and long-term unemployed."

Comments attributed to Environment Minister Stephen Dawson:

"There are more than 1.3 billion eligible beverage containers used in Western Australia each year, and they make up 44 per cent of litter in our parks, streets and waterways.

"The McGowan Government has introduced Containers for Change to help reduce litter, improve recycling rates, create new businesses and employment opportunities across the State, and provide a new way for community organisations and charities to raise money."

Premier's office - 6552 5000

Environment Minister's office - 6552 5800

Successful refund point operators applicants ​ ABC Foundation Recycle to Change (WA) Ability Centre Australasia Re.Turn It (WA CDS) Pty Ltd All Good Business Services Recycling Waste Solutions Ashburton Aboriginal Corporation Sense & Tenability Pty Ltd Aus Can and Bottles Soullink Auscon Metals The Scout Association of Australia - WA Branch Bottles & Cans Pty Ltd Timothy Andrew Lucas & Patrick Joseph Park Bridging The Gap TOMRA Collection Pty Ltd Care For Hedland Environmental Association U Can Recycle Pty Ltd Collier Road Metal Recycling Pty Ltd Urban Depot Pty Ltd Containers for Change Midland Pty Ltd Western Container Recycling Containers for Change Rockingham Pty Ltd Westonia Environment Centre Del Park Roadhouse Wild West Pty Ltd East Kimberley Job Pathways Wyalkatchem Men's Shed Envirobank WA Pty Ltd Bunbury Harvey Regional Council Girl Guides Western Australia Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council Good Samaritan Industries Southern Metropolitan Regional Council Greenbatch Foundation Pty Ltd Shire of Augusta-Margaret River Hutt Lagoon Pty Ltd Shire of Denmark Kelly Group Administration Pty Ltd Shire of East Pilbara Lancelin Liquor Warehouse Shire of Exmouth Lions Club of Boyup Brook Shire of Irwin Lions Club of Donnybrook Shire of Kellerberrin Lions Club of Leeuwin Shire of Quairading Mandurah Scrap Metal Shire of West Arthur Marra Worra Worra Aboriginal Corporation Shire of York M & R Simpson Holdings Pty Ltd City of Albany Nirrumbuk Environmental Health and Services Pty Ltd City of Bunbury North West Recycling City of Fremantle Oceanview Nominees Pty Ltd City of Perth Peel Thunder Football Club City of Rockingham Phamily Recycling Group Pty Ltd City of Stirling Raw Metal Corp