Unused toothpaste, shampoo and soap confiscated from Brisbane international travellers are being donated to people experiencing hardship.
Personal care items such as liquids, aerosols and gels which are confiscated at security screening for exceeding the allowable limit for carry-on baggage are given to not-for-profit organisation GIVIT which works with a network of charities in Brisbane.
This financial year, Brisbane Airport donated 15,600 personal care items like sunscreen, bodywash and moisturisers to GIVIT which is equivalent to 7.8 tonnes of products.
Brisbane Airport Community Engagement Manager Portia Allison said the initiative provided practical support to Queenslanders, while reducing waste.
“If you’ve just said goodbye to a bottle of shampoo or tube of toothpaste at airport security, you’re not alone,” Ms Allison said.
“Although it might be disappointing to leave these items behind, you can feel good knowing they don’t end up in landfill.
“We take unopened items from security screening and give them a second chance, working with GIVIT to ensure the products go to Queenslanders who need it most.”
Brisbane Airport also donates other brand-new food products such as honey and vegemite to a range of charities that distribute to those in need.
GIVIT spokesperson Samantha Richardson said the toiletries from Brisbane Airport had been distributed to more than 25 charities across the city.
“GIVIT has been able to pass on these toiletries to crisis accommodation shelters, disability services and domestic and family violence charities who are in urgent need of essential goods for the people they support,” Ms Richardson said.
“Basic toiletries like deodorant or shampoo are essentials most of us take for granted but for many people they’re a luxury item.
“Having access to these personal care items means that someone experiencing hardship doesn’t have to make the choice between buying toiletries or putting food on the table.
“Our partnership with Brisbane Airport is a win-win, with these unused goods staying out of landfill while providing them to someone doing it really tough.”
Brisbane Airport’s partnership with GIVIT serves as a timely reminder for Australians travelling overseas to familiarise themselves with international carry-on baggage rules before arriving at the airport.
Information on what is permitted is available on the Australian Border Force website.
