BUSINESS WRITEUP: Urban Depot recycling 

Nambour’s Urban Depot is part of Containers for Change, which encourages people to participate in recycling by rewarding diligent recyclers with 10 cent payments for eligible containers. 

The local depot celebrated its second birthday on August 13 and, despite the challenges of the past two-and-a-half years, the business has grown from strength to strength.

“It was a pretty interesting time to go into business,” said owner Jason Irwin wryly. “Given the timing of the opening, we are thrilled to still be here.”

More than 5 billion containers have been refunded, putting more than $500 million dollars into the pockets of Queenslanders.

Nambour locals have increasingly embraced the concept and Jason’s staff has grown from four to 14.

“I think the fact that we make the entire process so easy for people is a big part of the reason why it has taken off relatively quickly,” Jason said. 

“We have set up a drive-in service that is both friendly and contact-free so people can feel safe to bring their recyclables in. They don’t even have to get out of the car. Our staff are super friendly and we make our customers feel welcome and valued. Our customers drive in with their recyclables and drive out with cash in their hand.

“Some of the best things about this concept is that it has enabled us to educate young people about recycling, create job opportunities and options for schools, businesses and organisations to fund raise, and for kids to earn pocket money through recycling,” Jason said.

“I have also received feedback from locals that the streets around town are much cleaner as people are now aware that they can be paid for picking up eligible containers and bringing them in.

“We have also had situations where our wonderful regular customers bring in containers because they are helping their grandchildren buy a car. As the cost of living is rising, we have even had people tell us that the extra cash they are receiving for recycling is helping them put food on the table.”

Another gratifying aspect of the business is that he has been able to employ long-term unemployed and indigenous people.

“We have had the opportunity to employ the most amazing people,” he said. “Most of them are long-term now and we have an incredible team here.”

Urban Depot has established networks and relationships with a broad range of local organisations over the past two years.

“There are so many incredible organisations in our area and I have met so many community-minded people,” Jason said.

The business works with St Johns Primary School, Nambour Special School, local retirement villages, Borumbah Deer Park, St Vincents, Golf Programs Australia, Palmwoods AFL Club, Mapleton State School, Smart Pups, Nambour Christian Church, Nambour Croquet Club, Barung Landcare, Nambour Bowls Club, Club Yandina, Sell for a Well, and the Maleny Golf Club, as well as private collectors.

“I am a firm believer that we all have the opportunity to leave the world a little better than the way we found it and by creating this type of circular economy, we can make a tangible difference,” said Jason. “After two years of putting this concept into action through recycling, creating employment opportunities and connecting with our caring community, I could not feel more blessed.”

• Urban Depot is at 7/1 Windsor Road Burnside, phone 0492 846 936. To learn more about how the process works, go to www.urbandepotrecycle.com. You can receive cash for your containers or be paid via your scheme ID number.