Top Bloke is committed to helping his Community

An outback Queensland bloke who committed to recycling cans at his local pub for the last four years has helped support several organisations and schools with funds of up to $1 500 per year.

That is a whopping 15 000 Container for Change eligible 10-cent containers collected from the Inglewood Hotel.

Scruffy, as he is affectionately known throughout the region, expressed optimism after the latest announcement by the Queensland government that they would be extending the Container for Change program to encompass glass wine and spirit bottles, and he believes it will yield a positive impact on the future of recycling and the environment.

A mechanic by trade, he spends three days a week collecting, sorting and recycling large bins of ‘empties’.

“I like to contribute to the community and it’s an opportunity to help keep Australia clean and reduce the amount of waste that ends up on the side of the road or in landfill,” Scruffy said.

“I reckon by including the spirit and wine bottles into the Containers for Change program, it will yield a positive impact on recycling and the environment.”

And it’s good for the kids too.

Scruffy’s recycling efforts in the community have not gone unnoticed.

After presenting local school, St Maria Goretti Catholic School, with more than $1 500, he was invited to share the stage at the weekly school parade to say a few words to the students about recycling and taking care of the environment.

“The school captains gave me a certificate of appreciation in front of the whole school. It was a lovely gesture,” he said.

Tom Menogue, the publican of the Inglewood Hotel, works closely with Scruffy and together they chose which organisations to donate the funds to. Last year, they presented the Refund money to the Inglewood Childcare and Kindergarten, but now they are working towards funding two organisations a year.

“This half of the year, the funds are going towards the Inglewood under 43 kg football team,” he said.

Scruffy's dedication to recycling and community involvement is commendable, and his efforts are a shining example of how individuals can make a difference in their local communities.

His work serves as a reminder of the positive impact that one person can have on their community and the environment.

The Container for Change scheme is a recycling initiative that encourages people to return their empty drink containers, such as cans and plastic bottles, to designated collection points in exchange for a cash refund. The scheme was introduced in Queensland in 2018 as part of the state's efforts to reduce waste and improve recycling rates.

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