Meet the Operator - Patsy Worland
If you aren’t from regional Queensland, you probably don’t realise that recycling happens a little differently here.
Many towns don’t have kerbside or yellow top recycling bins available like in the city, meaning doing the right thing for the planet requires a bit of extra effort.
That’s where people like Patsy Worland, owner of Outwest Container Exchange in Longreach come in.
Patsy and her husband run the local offices supplies store and started a Containers for Change refund point in February 2019.
What they initially thought would be only a few hours work each week counting and sorting containers quickly became a full-time opportunity as the interest in container recycling grew.
Patsy has seen firsthand how the local community have embraced Containers for Change and the difference it makes around town.
Community spirit
“People want to do it, they make an effort. It’s definitely making a huge difference.”
As of December 2022, Outwest Container Exchange have recycled 8.94 million containers which not only comes from residents but local businesses and charity groups as well.
Making a difference
“The fact that we can make such a change to the world is really important... and I’m proud of that.”
HEAR PATSY'S STORY
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When you recycle with Containers for Change, you get a 10 cent refund for every eligible container you return.