In Inala, Jianming Su is leading a Containers for Change initiative that is expanding access to recycling while supporting everyday community participation through his social enterprise, Panda Recycling.
A Personal Shift Towards Community Work In Inala
Jianming Su’s path to establishing a recycling initiative in Inala began with a strong engineering background, holding qualifications from Finland and China and experience in the energy sector overseas. After relocating to Australia, he encountered challenges entering his professional field, prompting a shift toward building a local, community-focused enterprise.
That transition led to the creation of Panda Recycling, a social enterprise designed to deliver practical recycling services while supporting the people and places it serves. In Inala, this approach has taken shape through the operation of a Containers for Change shopfront at the Inala Civic Centre.
Building A Recycling Hub In Inala
Through Jianming Su’s efforts, the Inala shopfront provides residents with a convenient and accessible way to return eligible containers. Open seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., the site offers both automated and assisted services to suit different needs.
The facility includes two reverse vending machines, along with manual counting options for customers who prefer direct assistance. To improve accessibility, instructions are available in both English and Vietnamese, reflecting the needs of the local community.
Since opening in late October, the Inala shopfront has processed more than 178,000 containers, returning approximately $17,800 to the community through container refunds.
Combining Practical Service With Community Focus
Jianming Su’s approach through Panda Recycling centres on making recycling simple and accessible while maintaining a strong community focus. The Inala site integrates technology with in-person support, allowing customers to choose how they engage with the service.
Residents can receive refunds in cash, transfer funds directly to their bank accounts, or donate to Brisbane South Toy Mission, a local organisation supporting children and families. Free collection services for homes and businesses further extend the reach of the initiative across Inala.
Expanding Access Through Local Leadership In Inala
The Inala shopfront forms part of a wider expansion of Containers for Change locations, bringing recycling services closer to where people live and work. Through Jianming Su’s leadership, the local site has contributed to reducing litter while improving access to container refunds within the community.
By focusing on practical service delivery and accessibility, the Inala initiative highlights how individual-led efforts can support both environmental outcomes and everyday use within local communities.
Published 8-Apr-2026
