Bridgetown bushfire: Containers for Change facility rises from the ashes to raise funds for community

Just months after it was ravaged by a bushfire, Bridgetown’s Containers for Change facility has risen from the ashes and is eager to continue its fundraising efforts. Crestfallen fences, soot coated trees and piles of burnt cans are what remain of the Recycle Road waste facility after it fell victim to a major bushfire in February. Continuing to operate out of the burnt site the Hastie Waste facility is Bridgetown’s only refund point and was back on its feet one month after the fire, extending its trading hours and utilising one of the site’s only remaining buildings. Hastie Waste owner Nigel Tuia said he was determined to ensure locals had a facility to save their 10¢ containers from landfill. “We had to think outside the box, without the space and traffic management ability at the burnt site we utilised a small open shed and moved to bag and container drop only,” he said. “The community’s support during this challenging time has been wonderful and gave us the motivation we needed to offer extra encouragement and help.” The fires burnt more than 2000ha of land tearing through residential properties, cancelling sporting events and caused an evacuation of the lower South West town. Mr Tuia said the facility offers a convenient “low effort” fundraising option for community groups and businesses that were impacted by the fire. “We are proud to offer fundraising options for groups like the Bridgetown Golf Club that were completely burnt down in the fire,” he said. The Hastie Waste Containers for Change container drop-off site is now fully operational and residents can receive their 10¢ refund directly into their bank account or choose to donate it to a cause of their choice.