Scouts SA secures future of its recycling centres

Scouts SA has partnered with Container Deposit Scheme specialist Return-It to grow its Scout Recycling Centres in South Australia.

The partnership will see Scouts SA’s 10 Scouts Recycling Centres become co-owned with Return-It under a newly established entity — Scouts Recycling and Return-It. However, the recycling facilities will continue trading as the Scout Recycling Centre.

Scouts SA will retain the freehold land and buildings of the South Australian depots currently owned by the organisation in Gawler, Magill and Salisbury. In Queensland, the Scout Recycling Centre will become fully owned and operated by Return-It.

The organisation said the partnership with Return-It will help secure the long-term future of the South Australian Scout Recycling Centres, continued employment of the centres’ teams, and ongoing returns to invest into its programs for young people.

“Return-It’s national expertise and resources will help drive growth of the Scout Recycling Centres and increase investment into new technologies and our people,” said Scouts SA CEO James Sellers. “For Scouts SA and its members, the partnership will allow us to continue investing funds and profits from our recycling operations to support our mission to help young people thrive, while better managing our resources.”

All Scout Recycling Centre employees will be given the opportunity to transfer their employment to Scouts Recycling and Return-It in SA and Return-It in Queensland, with their wages and entitlements protected.

As part of Re.Group, Return-It has a history of partnering with community groups and not-for-profits — including four recycling centres with Scouts Victoria. It will be Return-It’s first entry into the South Australian market with the company operating more than 100 recycling centres in Queensland, New South Wales, Australia Capital Territory, Victoria and Western Australia.

“Our entry into the South Australian market alongside a community organisation with similar values and a shared commitment will help position us for future growth together,” said Re.Group Managing Director David Singh. “We are excited to help Scouts SA achieve its goal of growing Scout Recycling Centre into a contemporary suite of depots by investing in our people and providing improved customer experience through modernisation and technology.

“Our partnership with Scouts SA expands our existing partnerships with local schools, and community and charity groups in other states including Scouts Victoria.”

Image caption: Scout Recycling Centre. Image: Supplied.