General News
24 November, 2025
Picking up empties all in a day’s work for Bruce
CONTAINER-collecting superhero Bruce Ferguson is the epitome of what National Recycling Week is all about (10-15 November).
This annual week helps to promote recycling and waste reduction, while providing education to the public on the importance of the waste hierarchy (reduce, reuse, recycle) and how to recycle correctly.
Over the last three years and as of last week, the former chicken farmer has collected 316,300 recyclable containers, including plastic and glass bottles. That equates to over $30,000 raised.
“I couldn’t believe how big a collection of 3000 containers looked when I had that amount in my garage, just after I started all of this,” Mr Ferguson said.
“To think how over 300,000 would look, is amazing,” he said.
These days, all of the collected containers are taken to Containers For Change in Mossman operated by the Mossman Port Douglas Senior Rugby League Club.
With collection days of up to seven hours, Mr Ferguson collects around 3000 containers a week and at 84 years of age, locals believe his achievement is truly incredible.
When asked what inspires him on a recent Douglas FM Interview, Mr Ferguson said: “I just can’t sit still, so it’s something to do. Otherwise, I’d get bored.”
Apart from Mr Ferguson’s daily collection efforts, he also volunteers every Tuesday at the Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre, part of the Port Douglas Community Service Network (PDCSN).
Having lived in Port Douglas for nearly 40 years and during this time having owned several businesses, the marathon container collector is now happy to give back to the community.
In fact, it is the PDCSN that now benefits from the money raised through the recycling of the collected containers.
“I know the money is going to a good cause. The Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre have come to me with things they need to purchase, so I know what the money is being spent on,” Mr Ferguson said.
Currently he has no plans to reduce his collection efforts, regardless of the recent warm weather.
Read More: Port Douglas
