Case Study - Qantas

City Return and Earn has established a seamless system for collecting recyclable bottles and cans from Qantas airport lounges, ensuring all Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) eligible containers are collected, processed and taken to their designated recycling destination. This case study explores the collaborative efforts between City Return Earn and Qantas, emphasising their commitment to environmental preservation and waste reduction.

Background

The Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) is a government initiative aimed at incentivizing recycling by providing monetary rewards for returning eligible containers. Under this scheme, consumers receive a refund upon returning their empty bottles and cans to designated collection points. City Return and Earn has been a key participant in the CDS, facilitating the collection and processing of recyclable materials across various sectors. They operate an automated Depot in Mascot and are opening a new one in Silverwater on the 1st of July 2024.

Challenge

Despite the widespread implementation of the CDS, there remained logistical challenges in ensuring convenient and efficient recycling options, particularly in high-traffic areas such as airports. Qantas, a leading airline, recognised the importance of sustainability and sought to enhance its environmental initiatives by implementing a comprehensive recycling program within its airport lounges. However, managing the collection and disposal of recyclable materials posed a significant challenge due to the complex nature of airport operations and the volume of waste generated.

Solution

City Return and Earn proposed a strategic collaboration with Qantas to address the recycling needs of airport lounges while aligning with the objectives of the CDS. Through this partnership, City Return and Earn established dedicated collection points within Qantas airport lounges, allowing passengers to conveniently deposit their empty bottles and cans. City Return and Earn is committed to regularly collecting the deposited materials and ensuring their proper recycling and processing.

Implementation

The implementation of the City Return and Earn program within Qantas airport lounges involved several key steps:

1. Collaborative planning: City Return and Earn collaborated closely with Qantas to identify optimal locations for collection points within airport lounges. Considerations included passenger traffic flow, accessibility, and space utilisation.
2. Infrastructure setup: City Return and Earn delivered and installed specialised bins for the eligible containers. Clear signage and instructions were provided to guide passengers on the recycling process.
3. Logistics and Collection: City Return and Earn established a streamlined logistics process to collect recyclable materials from Qantas airport lounges on a regular basis. Trained personnel ensured the proper segregation and transportation of collected items to recycling facilities.

Results

The partnership between City Return and Earn and Qantas has yielded significant environmental and social benefits:

1. Waste Diversion: By integrating the CDS into airport lounge operations, City Return and Earn has facilitated the diversion of recyclable materials from landfills, contributing to waste reduction and resource conservation.
2. Convenience and Accessibility: Passengers travelling through Qantas airport lounges now have convenient access to recycling facilities, allowing them to participate in sustainable practices effortlessly.
3. Financial incentives: Through the City Return and Earn program, companies receive the refund and are able to invest it in more sustainable activities.