Acommunity group at Robe has stepped in following the recent closure of the town’s sole recycling depot.

The Robe/Beachport Recycle depot in Robe for container deposit scheme cans, cartons and bottles closed to the public and businesses in December.

Robe District Council chief executive James Holyman said the closure happened earlier than expected as the owner had been able to take advantage of good land prices and sell the property.

Mr Holyman said the land has been purchased privately.

“The container deposit scheme is a market driven model and is typically operated by the private sector,” he said.

“In fact, there is only one council in South Australia that provides bottle recycling services.

“While a more permanent solution is found for bottle recycling in Robe, the Robe Sport and Recreation Association have stepped in to provide a temporary solution.

“Volunteers from the association will provide a limited service (i.e., drop off only with no refunds issued) from the current recycling yard.”

Mr Holyman said the deposited items will be freighted to the Millicent recycling depot where the items will be counted, and the refund money sent to the association.

“The association’s plan is to run the service on the current site, 10 Flint Street, with volunteers,” he said.

“Over the past year this association has been reformed and is working hard on putting together a master plan for the overhaul of the central sporting hub of Robe including things like a new, multipurpose building, improving facilities and shared spaces and broadening the sports that are available to the Robe community.

“Funds raised through providing the recycle service will assist in funding the master plan and to commence a fund for any changes in infrastructure identified through the master plan process.”