STEPS ramps up recycling efforts with Containers for Change - STEPS

26 Mar 2025 9:04 AM

STEPS Pathways Charity is making it easy to recycle in support of a good cause.

The organisation has launched a renewed push in conjunction alongside Strong Street Recyclers for the Queensland-wide Containers for Change initiative, providing multiple ways for their staff, participants and the wider community to participate in a simple but impactful recycling effort.

Every eligible container recycled through Containers for Change using STEPS Pathways Charity’s member number (#C11450072) directly contributes to helping young adults with disabilities and autism gain the skills and confidence they need to live independently.

It can cost up to $35,000 for one student to attend STEPS Pathways College for a single year, meaning every bottle and can collected can bring the organisation one step closer to empowering and supporting a young adult living with a disability and autism.

Katrina May, Manager of STEPS Pathways Charity, said she is excited about the dual benefits of STEPS Pathways Charity’s involvement with Containers for Change.

“It’s a win-win situation. We get to recycle and reduce landfill, and the recycling we do goes towards putting our STEPS Pathways College students on a path to independence. I am so excited by this opportunity because for little effort it contributes to such massive outcomes for both our climate and our students.”

STEPS Pathways Charity has made participation as easy and convenient as possible. Special bins from Strong Street Recyclers have been placed around its Caloundra campuses on George Street and Bulcock Street, making it simple to drop off eligible containers.

For those looking to go the extra mile, STEPS Pathways Charity also welcomes contributions from domestic and professional partners. Community members, businesses, and organisations can get involved in a number of ways.

Staff and students can bring their empty containers to work and place them in the dedicated recycling bins, while households can collect eligible containers and deposit them via the George Street bins or find a Containers for Change depot and enter STEPS Pathways Charity’s member number (#C11450072) to donate their refund.

If members of the community are unable to travel to a Containers for Change depot or bin, the organisation offers a free collection service to select suburbs, allowing individuals to arrange for their recyclables to be picked up directly from their home.

For any businesses, cafes, sporting clubs, or apartment complexes interested in supporting the initiative, STEPS Pathways Charity encourages reaching out to discuss collection options.

Eligible containers include most aluminium cans, plastic bottles, and glass bottle; however, not all containers qualify. A full list of eligible and ineligible containers is available on the Containers for Change website.

For many, recycling may seem like a small act, but it has far-reaching consequences. Beyond reducing landfill waste, the initiative empowers the STEPS community to take meaningful action against climate change while directly supporting students.

To learn more or get involved, contact the Manager of STEPS Pathways Charity, Katrina May, at [email protected] or visit the Containers for Change website. Together, we can turn recycling into life-changing opportunities.

About us:

About STEPS

STEPS empowers individuals and communities through inclusive training, employment, and support services. STEPS is dedicated to breaking down barriers, creating opportunities, and building a sense of belonging, ensuring everyone has the chance to achieve their full potential and providing opportunities that truly change lives.

Contact details:

Colleen McMillan
Marketing and Communications Manager
E: [email protected]
M: 0487 095 674

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