Recycle4Change

Creating chances

As a certified Social Enterprise and registered Charity, Recyle4Change (owned by Chance Creators) operates the Victorian State Government's Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) from Geelong to Laverton North in Melbourne's west. The scheme, which started in November 2023, reward Victorians with a 10-cent refund for every eligible can, carton and bottle they return.

In partnership with Tomra Cleanaway (West Zone Scheme Operators), Recycle4Change currently operates two automated depots in North Geelong and Point Cook and employs two full-time and ten part-time, casual workers in each depot (24 in total).

Chance Creators also operates the Fruit2Work social enterprise. Fruit2Work was established in 2018 to create chances for those impacted by the justice system, providing transitional employment opportunities to allow them to reintegrate into society. This model was designed and implemented by people with lived experience, considering and addressing the complex needs of participants. Fruit2Work employs individuals to deliver fruit, milk and pantry items to the workplace.

In addition to transitional employment, the organisation provides wrap-around services through the Transition2Change program. Transition2Change enables their employees to enhance their self-worth, reconnect with family and reintegrate into society. Transition2Change delivers comprehensive support, from initial contact through to job transition, on-the-job training, mental health support, coaching and participation each week in the ‘Build a Better You’ program.

The Ian Potter Foundation has also supported Fruit2Work since 2018, awarding two grants totalling $205,500 (2018 and 2020) for expansion and support during the COVID pandemic.

The Foundation has been impressed with the organisation's outstanding results. In the eight years of its existence, Fruit2Work has supported more than 100 citizens with an unprecedented record of zero recidivism against a Victorian state record of almost 1 in 2 people (45.2%) returning to the system within two years. Currently, 90% of Fruit2Work's income comes from trade, a remarkable success for a relatively young social enterprise now turning over $7.8m annually.

Recycle4Change has already seen great impact

(November 2023 to June 2024)

[1] Impact calculations are an estimate only and based on the NSW Return and Earn Impact Calculator. This calculator uses the findings of a lifecycle analysis (LCA) of drink containers returned at Return and Earn return points across NSW. The LCA was conducted by Grant, T., and Berenyi, T (2021), Lifecycles Australia, with the final report provided on 11 October 2021.

The formula

Recycle4Change will create chances for those impacted by the justice system, using the same successful formula as Fruit2Work and widen the cohort of impact by focusing on the employment of females and young people impacted by the justice system. 

By 2028, Recycle4Change aims to process 200 million drinking containers for recycling and facilitate over $20 million in payments to the local community. It will also empower schools and community groups to fundraise through container collection, creating opportunities for everyone.

Making a change

Formerly incarcerated people struggle to find appropriate employment when they leave prison due to the stigma associated with their criminal record, their lack of work experience and their need for a high level of flexibility to meet mandatory parole/court requirements. A lack of meaningful employment increases the likelihood of reoffending. Australia has a 49% recidivism rate within two years, rising to 60% within five years.

Recycle4Change acts as the transitional employer for people exiting the justice system, particularly for cohorts not fully reached by Fruit2Work—women (with carer responsibilities) and young people. A transitional employer who understands the needs and challenges of individuals exiting the justice system is essential for a successful transition.

While 30% of Fruit2Work's workforce is made up of women and young people, their ability to access all the opportunities provided is somewhat limited by the nature of the work: heavy lifting, shift start times between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m., and often a current unrestricted driving license.

Recycle4Change identified the Victorian CDS depot operation as an opportunity to provide meaningful employment within normal business hours and flexibility around carer responsibilities.

“I’m a work in progress. I want to continue learning and improving myself. I never thought this life was possible. I used to just float around without a place to call home. I have dreams now – I no longer just exist, I'm living!”

- Recycle4Change staff member

Stepping into the future

At Recycle4Change, the benefits of recycling extend beyond environmental impact. By participating in employment and the Transition2Change program, these individuals gain invaluable skills that aid their reintegration into society. By participating in our recycling initiatives, these individuals gain employment and invaluable skills that aid their reintegration into society. This job can often be the stepping stone people need to reconnect with their families and lead productive, fulfilling lives.