AN island training group has racked up a milestone, collecting one million containers at its refund depots on Russell and Macleay islands.
Running Wild - Youth Conservation Culture opened the depots in October last year to help fund its own initiatives and create local jobs.
Founder Julie "Chook" Larson said $100,000 had been handed out in refunds and the group had raised $60,000 for its programs through handling fees.
"The idea behind starting the depots was that we needed to create a funding model in our community so we could bankroll our own initiatives to meet our own needs," Ms Larson said.
"We are trying to create employment on our islands, for our islands."
Ms Larson said the depots continued to grow in popularity and the program had already created employment opportunities.
"I have got a coordinator and I have a part-time (worker) in logistics to help with the trucks," she said.
"I have also been able to fund a youth worker part-time. They support young people and some of them participate in the Containers for Change program.
"It is like work experience and they get on site support. It is fantastic"
All the containers were counted by hand.
The customer with the millionth can received a carton of beer as a prize.
Read more local news here.
