Eligible beverage containers from Bam Bam Italian help fuel Emerald SES – and cut restaurant costs!

Hey there, fellow foodies and community champions!

We’re thrilled to share an inspiring tale of community collaboration and sustainability straight from the heart of Victoria's Dandenong Ranges. Here at Bam Bam Italian, we've embarked on a journey that not only fills bellies but also fuels the spirit of giving back.

In our quest to make a positive local impact, we've partnered with the Emerald SES (State Emergency Service) and Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme. This simple yet powerful initiative is reshaping how we do business while nurturing our environment and supporting vital community services.

Every Tuesday and Thursday, the Emerald SES hosts a container deposit location in Emerald. Locals can drop off their eligible beverage containers and receive a refund of 10 cents per item. But here's the kicker—for every container returned, the SES gets an additional 3 cents, helping to cover their annual running costs, including fuel, which tally up to around $90,000.

Since kicking off this initiative on November 1st 2023, the Emerald SES has collected nearly $15,000 and processed 310,000 containers. That's not just spare change; it's a lifeline for an organisation that plays a crucial role in our community's safety and well-being.

And guess what? Bam Bam Italian is right in the thick of it. After our guests have savoured every last bite of their delicious meals, our dedicated team swoops in to separate eligible containers and store them for collection. It's a seamless process that reduces our waste removal costs by roughly $3,000 annually and fills us with pride, knowing we're making a difference.

But it's not just about dollars and cents – it's about the heart and soul of our community. By supporting the Emerald SES, we're tipping our hats to the brave souls who stand ready to lend a hand when disaster strikes. It's our small way of saying thank you for their unwavering dedication and sacrifice.

And hey, we're not alone in this endeavour. Our friends at Emerald RSL were the trailblazers, and we're honoured to follow in their footsteps. Together, we're proving incredible things can happen when businesses and community organisations join forces.

So, the next time you dine with us at Bam Bam Italian, know that your empty beverage container isn't just rubbish – it's a catalyst for change. It symbolises our collective commitment to building a more sustainable and supportive future for future generations.

To learn more about this fantastic initiative or to join this mission, contact Belinda at eat@bambamitalian.com.au or connect with Emerald SES. Together, let's make magic happen, one container at a time.

Buon appetito, and cheers to a brighter, greener future!