Fundraising with Containers
Issued: 22 Feb 9 min read

Turn small change into BIG impact! Raise funds for your cause with every 10c container returned through Containers for Change.

The recent Containers for Change expansion including wine and pure spirit bottles was a big win for Queensland, with 1.2 million containers returned each day!

Did you know you can use those empty bottles and cans to raise valuable funds for your favourite charity, community group, or even your school? Containers for Change offers a fantastic fundraising opportunity that's good for the environment and your cause.

One adult and two kids standing near a sign that states ‘Drop your unwanted Cans & Bottles HERE: All Money Raised Goes To Tanduringie State School P&C'

School fundraising efforts by students at Tanduringie State School

Be inspired: Tanduringie State School

Tanduringie State School, with only 31 students, faced a financial setback due to the cancellation of their main fundraising event during Covid restrictions. Tania Fitzsimon, a parent and P&C member, introduced the school to the Containers for Change program. The initiative involved painting a 44-gallon drum with environmental images to collect juice and water containers in the main eating area. The local community, including parents from nearby businesses and Maidenwell Hotel, joined in, contributing to a water pod placed at Maidenwell Trading Post. Tania regularly transports the filled pod to Kingaroy's refund point, and the earnings support the school's funds for swimming lessons, sports equipment, and school camps. Congratulations on the success of your initiative and the positive impact made on the local environment!

Why Containers for Change Fundraising?

  • It's easy! Collecting containers is a simple activity that anyone can participate in, from young children to seniors.
  • It's flexible. You can set up your own collection points, encourage virtual donations through your Containers for Change  scheme ID, or partner with local businesses.
  • It's impactful. Not only are you raising funds, but you're also promoting recycling and sustainability.
  • It's rewarding. Seeing the money roll in from all those recycled containers is a great motivator knowing it’s going to a good cause!

Be inspired: Royal Flying Doctor Service

John Myers, a 78-year-old man from Yungaburra, has become an unlikely hero for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) by raising a whopping $12,000 just by collecting cans! He started by putting a bin outside his house for people to drop off their cans, and in August 2023, he had collected nearly 120,000 of them. With the help of a friend, he takes the cans to a special depot where they're turned into money for the RFDS. The RFDS uses this money to fly doctors and nurses to people in need all over Australia. John's simple idea has made a big difference, proving that even small actions can have a huge impact!

Getting Started

Register your cause

Head to the Containers for Change website and register for a scheme ID. This unique identifier will track all the containers donated to your cause.

Choose your fundraising method

  • Donation points: Set up bins at your school, club, or even outside a local business. Make sure they're clearly labelled with your Containers of Change scheme ID and recycling information.
  • Virtual donations: Ask your supporters to download the Containers for Change app. They can scan your ID when returning containers at any Containers for Change refund point, and the funds will go straight to your account.
  • Events: Organise a container drive or collection competition to boost participation and excitement.

Spread the word

Promote your Containers for Change fundraising initiative through social media, flyers, posters, and local media. Share your progress and the impact you're making.

  • Social media: Use popular platforms to share exciting updates, success stories and engaging content about your initiative.
  • Flyers and posters: Create eye-catching materials to hand out in your community. Show the positive impact of recycling and emphasize how every contribution makes a difference. Be mindful of your printing - use recycled paper, and only what you need!
  • Local media: Reach out to local newspapers, radio stations and community websites for coverage. Pitch your story as a positive and inspiring community initiative, seeking coverage to spread the word.
Two men crouching in front of Containers for Change collection point holding cans

CQ Pet Rescue has been participating in the Containers for Change scheme since it began in November 2018

Be inspired: CQ Pet Rescue

In the Central Highlands, CQ Pet Rescue has turned recycling into a lifeline for animals in need. This dedicated group has partnered with Containers for Change since 2018, raising over $100,000 through the collection of cans and bottles. These funds have been crucial in saving animals from euthanasia at local pounds.

CQ Pet Rescue is the only animal rescue organisation in the area and relies on community support. Local businesses like Maraboon Tavern have stepped up by donating their cans and bottles for recycling. Volunteers like 76-year-old Selwyn Nutley have made an incredible impact, collecting over 66,000 cans and bottles for the cause.

Tips for success

Partner with local businesses: Many businesses are happy to support local causes. Ask them to set up Containers for Change collection points or offer discounts to customers who donate containers to your cause. You could even ask them to match the funds raised from the containers collected by their employees. This not only boosts your fundraising efforts but also fosters corporate social responsibility.

Make it fun and engaging: Consider organizing themed collection weeks, challenges, or competitions to maintain enthusiasm. Recognise and reward outstanding efforts through shout-outs on social media or small incentives.

Show your appreciation: Thank your donors and volunteers for their contributions.

Two men standing in front of van decorated with 10 Cent Tom images. They are giving thumbs up, and standing next to large mesh bags filled with cans and bottles.

A big thumbs up from Containers for Change Young Change Maker of the Year

Be inspired: 10c Tom

In 2021, Reegan Pellowe was named the first ever Containers for Change ‘Young Change Maker of the Year’ award recipient for raising tens of thousands of dollars for charity by collecting containers in the Moreton Bay region.

He has been returning containers through the scheme for almost three years and donates the funds to boost many different charities and causes that assist young people.

‘10 Cent Tom’ Pirie received the Chairman’s Award for his continued drive towards wanting to expand his container collection charitable business to employ other workers with a disability. He is a self-proclaimed changemaker and advocate to bring Queensland into a greener tomorrow.

Ready?

Fundraising with Containers for Change is a win-win-win situation. It's good for the environment, your community, and your cause. Remember, the key to successful fundraising is creating a sense of community and shared purpose. By combining these tips with your enthusiasm, you can make your Containers for Change initiative not only impactful but also enjoyable for everyone involved.

Head over to the Containers for Change website to get started on your fundraising journey.

Cheers to a successful fundraising journey! ♻️

Change Maker Ron stands outside his car trailer with 5 plastic bags filled with bottles and cans. The sign on the trailer says 'TURN YOUR TRASH, INTO CASH: Visit us at The Exchange Shed, Jimboomba'

Shout out to Change Maker Ron who collects his neighbours' eligible containers and donates the refunds to charity

Be inspired: Ron from The Exchange Shed

Ron generously collects recyclable containers from his neighbours in support of charity. Ron provides them with reusable bags, and in return, they share their eligible cans, plastic bottles and glass bottles. They place their full bags beside their recycling bins every two weeks, and then Ron collects these bags. Last year they raised an impressive $254.10 in a single pickup! The proceeds were donated to Boonah branch of Days for Girls International, a group of volunteers creating sanitary packs for women in developing countries. Ron, your dedication to positive change is truly commendable 🙏♻

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