Meet Paul: The Moreton Bay Man Who’s Recycled 1.3 Million Containers For Charity
1.3 million containers. $130,000 raised. Thousands of kilometres walked.
Every day — rain, hail, or blazing Queensland sun — Paul Quarrell laces up his shoes and hits the streets, collecting 10-cent containers to help children who are sick, disadvantaged, or living with a disability.
A familiar face in his community, there’s hardly a street Paul hasn’t walked or a bin he hasn’t checked. His dedication transforms empty bottles and cans into life-changing support for kids in need.
Collecting for a Cause
For Paul, it all started with a simple goal: to help children doing it tough. Every container he collects goes directly to Variety – the Children’s Charity of Queensland, helping deliver grants that let kids be kids.
“No one asked to go through these struggles,” says Paul. “Collecting containers is my way of giving back and helping kids have a brighter future.”
Since 2020, Paul has collected over 1.3 million containers, raising an incredible $130,000 for Variety. Last year alone, he gathered more than 750,000 containers, and now he’s on a mission to collect another million containers in a single year, aiming to donate an additional $100,000 to help Queensland kids reach their full potential.
Each container may only be worth 10 cents, but together, they make a real difference. That’s why Paul is considered one of Australia’s top collectors and a true Changemaker.
Turning Containers into Smiles
Every week, Paul fills around 36 wheelie bins with containers, lined up on his driveway and ready for local operator Express Recycling to collect.
“It’s not that I feel like I’ve got to help - I want to help,” says Paul.
“To see those smiles on the kids’ faces when their grants are instantly accepted because of funds raised from container recycling - you just can’t beat it.”
Community Spirit in Action
Erin Lazarou, General Manager at Variety – the Children’s Charity of Queensland, says Paul’s ongoing commitment has been extraordinary.
“Not only is he out in the community week after week collecting recyclables to raise vital funds, he also takes part in our annual Variety Bash at his own expense – all to help Queensland kids who are sick, experiencing disadvantage or living with a disability,” Erin said.
“His dedication, drive and generosity are truly inspiring, and we’re so incredibly grateful for his unwavering commitment to making a difference.”
Local operator Express Recycling collects Paul’s containers and proudly supports his efforts.
“He’s an amazing guy, he’s very passionate and we love being able to help him make a difference as he strives to collect one million containers this year for Variety,” said Business Development Manager Nikki Mullen.
Every Container Counts
Paul has one simple message for everyday Queenslanders: every container counts.
“People have got to stop looking at just the 10-cents; they need to start looking at the big picture. It’s a cumulative thing. I think ‘yee-haw’ when I see one container, because it’s one container closer to a million.”
His story is proof that small, consistent actions really do add up to something meaningful.
National Recycling Week: How You Can Help
Paul’s dedication reminds us that recycling isn’t just about keeping bottles out of landfill — it’s about community, generosity, and making a difference together.
So next time you think a simple 10-cent container won’t make a difference or it doesn’t add up - think again!
Ready to make your impact?
Sign up for a member number and start tracking your impact today, or find a local cause to support.