The simple action catching on in Kalgoorlie

In Kalgoorlie, long days are part of life for many locals. Early starts, time on site, hours in the sun, and a cold drink at knock-off. Whether it’s water bottles in the car, sports drinks in the esky or a few cans shared with mates, empty containers go hand-in-hand with daily life in the Goldfields.

But locals are realising that those empty containers are worth saving through small, practical actions that fit easily into what they’re already doing.

Accepted drink containers aren’t waste. Through Containers for Change, they carry a 10¢ refund when returned, and they’re able to be recycled into something new. And when you’re already going through a few each day, it adds up quicker than you might think.

Make saving 10¢ containers a part of your routine

A water bottle finished on your break or a can from the esky doesn’t need to go into a general waste bin, it can sit in a tub in the ute tray until you’re back home. Over time, those small decisions stack up into something worthwhile, and since 2020, the Goldfields-Esperance region have returned more than 150 million containers. It shows there’s real value in every 10¢ container, without adding extra steps to the day.

It’s a practical and efficient mindset that works for Kalgoorlie locals. And it’s not limited to worksites. Around the home, the same approach applies. Keeping a dedicated spot for containers, whether it’s a box in the garage or a bag in the laundry, means they’re already saved without a second thought. When it’s full, it’s ready to go.

When containers are saved and returned to Containers for Change instead of sent to general waste, they can be recycled into new products, such as drink containers. At the same time, those 10¢ refunds can be spent, saved, or even donated to local good causes, like Coolgardie Men’s Shed, where the funds can be used in many meaningful ways.

The Coolgardie Men’s Shed

Just down the road in Coolgardie, the container-saving mindset is playing out in a big way. The Coolgardie Men’s Shed is a tight-knit group of around ten locals, based behind the historic railway station. The group are known for restoring pieces of Coolgardie’s gold rush history, from old engines to signage. They channel funds raised through Containers for Change into tools, equipment and community projects that keep their workshop, and local heritage, alive. With support from local businesses and a simple collection cage at the Shed entrance, even a small community of less than 850 people is generating around $3,000 per year through saved and donated 10¢ containers.

Over time, saving accepted drink containers becomes second nature. The same way you grab your keys or pack your lunch, setting containers aside is just part of your routine. There’s no need to think twice about it because it’s just a simple habit that works in the background.

Containers for Change makes returning containers easy, rewarding, and impactful across WA. Save accepted drink containers, return them for 10¢ refunds, and help your community. Visit the website for more information.