Katanning cashes in their one millionth container on a record breaking weekend

In just under six months, workers and volunteers from Katanning Environmental Container Cash In recorded their one-millionth container recycled on a weekend that shattered waste disposal records in the town. Katanning’s Containers for Change scheme has exceeded expectations by 25 per cent to help raise more than $100,000 for residents and community clubs. The program has averaged more than 50,000 items recycled a week — a figure Katanning Environmental chairman Matt Collis described as testament to the community’s dedication to recycling. “Last Saturday just gone, we did it in style as we collected 69,000 containers on that weekend, which is a record,” he said. The Katanning program is part of the the State Government’s Containers for Change initiative. The scheme, which started in October, gives local clubs and residents 10¢ per aluminium, plastic or glass item recycled at designated drop-off points. “The scheme in general is aimed at rubbish reduction, and that is happening. We are not only just keeping our community beautiful, but we are bringing money into the community,” Katanning Landcare’s Bev Lockley said. “Before Containers for Cash, there was never really much recycling in Katanning. “I feel we are now doing our bit to keep the planet healthy by keeping this out of landfill and using it something else.” Despite the success of the scheme, Containers for Cash Volunteer Ron Lockley has urged residents to recycle more assaid there was still room to grow. “I reckon we are only getting 50 per cent out of recyclable material in town because there are still a lot of eligible containers still getting dumped in the rubbish,” he said. Containers for Cash bins are becoming more common around Katanning, with the Red-lidded bins are now appearing more regularly at events such as last month’s Harmony Festival and the Opera in the Park. Katanning isn’t the only Great Southern town to reap the rewards of the State government scheme. On the same weekend Katanning surpassed one million containers, Wagin reached 500,000 containers in its local container cash in facility. People can recycle directly at the Katanning Containers for Change site on Dore Street, from noon-4pm on Fridays and from 9am-3pm on Saturdays.