Coca-Cola is offering $20,000 in grants to support local clubs and community groups through its first Recycling Drive initiative. From November 3, clubs, groups, and organisations can be nominated to win one of four $2,500 grants, with a separate $10,000 grant available for groups showcasing recycling efforts via Container Deposit Schemes (CDS).
The grants aim to fund items such as sporting equipment, uniforms, or supplies that have been out of reach during typical fundraising years. Anyone can nominate a group doing good work for the community, with the nomination period running throughout November.
Coca-Cola's Recycling Drive is designed to inspire Australians to use CDS, which are now available nationwide. Returning eligible bottles and cans through CDS earns a 10-cent refund per item, keeping them out of landfill. In most states and territories, refunds can be donated directly to registered charities or community groups.
Thousands of organisations, including schools, sports clubs, and local charities, already use CDS as an effective fundraising tool. The Recycling Drive aims to showcase collective action, proving that small recycling actions can create big change for both people and the planet.
Planet Ark co-CEO Adam Culley praised the initiative, noting Coca-Cola's long-time support of National Recycling Week. Since 2002, Coca-Cola and its bottling partner have contributed over $19 million to Australian not-for-profit organisations.
To nominate, groups can visit the Coca-Cola Recycling Drive hub and share their funding needs. The more supporters who nominate and share a group's story, the stronger its entry. Coca-Cola will announce the $10,000 Give it a Go Grant on November 24 via its Facebook page, inviting groups that recycle at least 50 containers via CDS to apply.
