How to recycle and donate to charity at the same time: STEPS Pathways Charity’s partnership with Containers for Change

March 26, 2025
4 minute read

Recycling just got even more rewarding!

STEPS Pathways Charity is making it easier to do good for the planet and the community with their partnership with Strong Street Recyclers as part of the Queensland-wide Containers for Change initiative.

Every eligible bottle, can, or carton you recycle can directly support young adults living with disabilities and autism, helping them gain the skills and confidence they need to live independently.

Your donations will help us provide more opportunities for these young people at STEPS Pathways College, the first and only program of its kind in Australia, where we empower our students to create brighter futures.

The best part? It’s easy to get involved!

How does Containers for Change work?

Recycling with Containers for Change is quick and hassle-free.

Simply collect your eligible empty bottles, cans, and containers and drop them off at a Containers for Change depot or at STEPS Pathways Charity’s designated bins, supplied by Strong Street Recyclers, at our Caloundra campuses on George Street and Bulcock Street.

For a full list of eligible containers, visit Containers for Change’s website.

Each eligible container is worth 10c, and every donation adds up to a lot of change in more ways than one.

All you have to do is use STEPS Pathways Charity’s member number (#C11450072) when you return your containers, and your refund will go directly towards supporting students at STEPS Pathways College.

You don’t have to be in Caloundra or even the Sunshine Coast to contribute – any Containers for Change depot in Queensland will accept STEPS Pathways Charity’s member number.

Every single container makes a difference, both for the environment and young people working towards independence.

Why recycle with STEPS?

Sure, tossing a can in any old bin is easy – but what if that one can could help change someone’s life?

By recycling with Containers for Change in support of STEPS Pathways Charity, you’re helping to:

  • Reduce landfill waste – Less waste means greener and cleaner communities!
  • Fund education and support – You’re supporting young adults with disabilities and autism as they learn integral life skills for independence.
  • Make a real difference – Something as simple as recycling can create life-changing opportunities.
  • Promote sustainability – Turning eco-friendly behaviour into habits will encourage those around you to do the same.

How can I donate my recycling refunds to STEPS Pathways Charity?

We know that life gets busy, so our partnership with Containers for Change makes it as easy and flexible as possible to participate and donate.

Here’s how you can support STEPS Pathways Charity through recycling:

Drop off at STEPS

Bring your eligible containers to STEPS Pathways Charity’s bins at our Caloundra Campus on George Street.

Donate your refund

If you have a local Containers for Change depot, you can take your eligible recycling there and use STEPS Pathways Charity’s member number (#C11450072) to send your refund directly to STEPS Pathways College.

Book a free collection

No time to visit a depot? No worries! Containers for Change offers a free pick-up service in select suburbs, collecting recyclables straight from your home.

Simply visit the Container Collect page on their website to find more information and book a pick-up.

Partner with us

If you run a business, café, sporting club, or apartment complex, we’d love to chat about how you can collect and donate containers to STEPS Pathways Charity.

Reach out to our friendly team at (07) 5458 3000 to start the conversation!

However you choose to contribute, every bottle and can helps us create opportunities for young adults living with disabilities and autism.

What can I recycle with Containers for Change?

Containers for Change generally accepts the following containers for recycling:

  • Aluminium
  • Glass
  • Plastic
  • Steel
  • Liquid paperboard beverage containers

Eligible containers must be between 150ml and 3L and be included in Containers for Change’s list of products, which can be checked on their website.

What isn’t eligible for recycling?

As per Containers for Change’s website, there are certain containers that aren’t eligible for recycling and receiving a refund.

As a general rule of thumb, containers that are less than 150ml or more than 3L are not accepted.

Excluded containers:

  • Plain milk containers of any size, including plant-based milk substitutes
  • Cask wine
  • Containers 1L or more than held flavoured milk, pure fruit or vegetable juice, cask wine or cask water
  • Concentrated or undiluted cordial or syrup containers
  • Sachets above 250ml that have held wine
  • Registered health tonics

Recycling with purpose: Small acts, big changes

It’s easy to think that one bottle doesn’t make much of a difference, but when our community comes together, the impact is incredible.

When you choose to recycle in support of STEPS Pathways Charity, you’re doing more than helping the planet – you’re helping young adults living with disabilities and autism gain the confidence, skills and independence they need for a brighter future.

So next time you finish a drink, don’t toss it, save it. That container could be the first step towards changing someone’s life.

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