A Queensland first: National park recycling pod to protect Noosa’s natural heart
A small but significant change is making a big difference on the Noosa North Shore.
In a first for Queensland’s national parks, a Containers for Change recycling pod has
been installed at the Noosa North Shore Waste Transfer Station, giving campers and
visitors a simple way to recycle their bottles and cans, and help protect the local
environment while they’re at it.
The new pod is the result of collaboration between Containers for Change (COEX),
Express Recycling, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) and the
Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI). It was
officially launched on 24 June, with Independent Member for Noosa Sandy Bolton
MP, COEX CEO Natalie Roach, and representatives from Cooloola Coastcare and
the wider community in attendance.
The facility is located between the first and third cuttings on Teewah Beach, in the
Noosa North Shore area. This means visitors can now drop off containers for a 10-
cent refund, with all proceeds going directly to Cooloola Coastcare, a volunteer-
based group working to protect local ecosystems.
Sandy Bolton MP, who has long advocated for improved waste management across
the region, said the new pod was “another significant moment in our battle against
waste”. She highlighted her own journey with the program, from supporting the initial
pod at Waves of Kindness in 2019 to helping secure a licence for the Noosa
electorate, which led to the launch of Express Recycling.
“Now we are here at this first, and it’s an incredible outcome for our beaches, our
turtles and our visitors,” she said.
COEX CEO Natalie Roach said the Noosaville Depot had already recycled more
than 500 million containers, contributing to a 60 per cent drop in litter across
Queensland.
“By offering convenient recycling options like this, we can help keep our parks clean
and put more 10-cent refunds back into the community,” she said.
Cooloola Coastcare president Lindy Orwin called the initiative “a perfect
collaboration” between government, businesses, environmental volunteers and the
wider public. She said it had a direct impact on marine turtles, birdlife and the wider
ocean environment.
“It doesn’t get much better than this. We are grateful and proud to be part of it,” she
said.
The pod also marks a major shift in how waste is managed in the Cooloola
Recreation Area, including Teewah Beach and Freshwater camping areas. From 30
June 2025, general waste bins along the beach will be removed and replaced with
two waste transfer stations, one at Noosa North Shore and another off Rainbow
Beach Road. The changes are designed to reduce smells, prevent rubbish dumping
in dunes and promote a cleaner camping experience.
Principal ranger Danielle Mansfield said the upgrades were essential to protecting
the region. “By removing waste from the beach and offering a simple way to donate
empties, we can help ensure Cooloola remains pristine for future generations,” she
said.
The Noosa North Shore transfer station will include infrastructure for both solid waste
and portable toilet disposal, while the Rainbow Beach Road facility will handle both
solid and recyclable waste. Some Inskip camping areas will still have bins, but others
like Dorrigo South and Pelican Bay will require campers to take their rubbish home.
Pod bags for returning bottles and cans are available from the Great Sandy Visitor
Information Centre on Moorindil Street when picking up camping permits. Campers
are encouraged to bring containers or bags for any other rubbish and dispose of it at
home or the next suitable location.
Sandy Bolton thanked everyone involved, including COEX, Express Recycling,
Cooloola Coastcare, QPWS rangers and the many volunteers who continue to
champion waste reduction across the region.
“This was made possible by so many working together,” she said. “And by everyone
doing the right thing (carrying out what they bring in), we can protect one of our
greatest assets.”