Men’s Sheds across Western Australia have now raised more than $1 million through Containers for Change, the State’s ten-cent container deposit scheme. That money hasn’t been earned from grants or appeals, but from the steady work of collecting bottles and cans at field days, car boot sales, and refund points scattered across the regions.
The figure was announced by the WA State Government this week just as the scheme prepares for its biggest expansion since launch. From July 1st, wine and spirit bottles join the Containers for Change list of eligible containers, which is expected to bring a further 200 million containers a year into the system.
“The success of Containers for Change goes far beyond environmental and recycling benefits to providing valuable support for charities, social enterprises, and non-profit organisations across Western Australia,” said Environment and Community Services Minister Matthew Swinbourn.
“The scheme is a favourite fundraiser for community groups such as Men’s Sheds, who can set up their own container collection points as well as getting refunds donated by supporters using the account ID code.”
Collection as community work
Men’s Sheds run refund points in regional towns including Norseman, Wyalkatchem, Hopetoun, Northampton, Morawa, Kellerberrin, and Bremer Bay. They gather containers from local businesses and turn up to collect at events as varied as the Dowerin Machinery Field Days, skydiving days in Jurien Bay, and car boot sales, alongside ongoing donations from supporters who assign their refunds to a shed using its account ID code.
That participation is climbing. Men’s Sheds of WA CEO James Wild said 78 sheds had been actively engaged in Containers for Change over the past six months alone, and pointed to why the activity suits the membership.
“For many of our shedders, container collection offers a meaningful way to contribute to their community regardless of their physical ability,” he said. “It also helps create a shared sense of purpose, while strengthening social ties for many men suffering from loneliness and isolation.”
A fundraiser that doubles as the point
Men’s Sheds are workshops and gathering places where members build, create, and connect — some drawn to the woodwork and metalwork, others to the company. The collecting itself folds neatly into that, which is part of why the scheme has stuck.
“Men’s Sheds and Containers for Change are a perfect match, with collections providing a reliable income as well as hands-on activities that keep members socially connected,” Swinbourn added.
Tim Cusack, CEO of scheme operator WA Return Recycle Renew, said the $1 million would help sheds expand their programs and broaden their reach in local communities.
“We are thrilled to see the impact Containers for Change has had on Men’s Sheds across WA,” Cusack commented.
“The sheds provide a unique and important experience that adds value to lives and $1 million in donations will help the network expand their programs and amplify their work in local communities.”
Since 2020, Containers for Change has generated more than $20.5 million for charities, schools, and community groups, and kept more than 5.3 billion containers out of landfill.
