Queensland’s Containers for Change scheme continues to grow in popularity, with the program recently reaching the significant milestone of eight billion containers returned since its launch in November 2018.
This achievement underscores the success of the scheme in encouraging recycling and reducing litter across the state and is a prime example of a circular economy in action.
The initiative, which offers a 10-cent refund for eligible drink containers and is administered by Container Exchange, aims to curb the environmental impact of littered containers while promoting sustainable waste management practices.
By providing a financial incentive, Containers for Change has played a key role in increasing Queensland’s recycling rate and reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill.
In total, the scheme has returned $800 million to Queenslanders, with $12 million of that amount being donated to charities and community groups.
Environment Minister Leanne Linard and Container Exchange (CoEx) CEO Natalie Roach celebrated the eight billion container milestone at the Community Co Recycling Depot in Windsor, Brisbane.
Minister Linard highlighted the positive environmental impact of the scheme, noting that the eight billion containers returned represent a reduction of 400,000 tonnes of waste, equivalent to enough containers to wrap around the Earth’s equator 35 times.
“This is a phenomenal amount of waste that has been diverted from landfill and recycled, benefiting our natural environment and the community,” said Linard. “It’s also fantastic news for Queenslanders, who have collectively shared in $800 million in refunds.”
The scheme’s expansion in late 2023 to include glass wine and spirit bottles has further contributed to its success
Since the expansion, there has been a 13.5 per cent increase in the quantity of glass bottles returned, helping to drive up the overall volume of containers returned.
In January 2024, a record 175.8 million containers were returned, surpassing the previous record of 157.5 million in January 2023.
Roach expressed pride in the continued success of the scheme, particularly the growing participation in glass container recycling, a key for the beverage sector.
“The return of eight billion containers highlights the ongoing dedication of Queenslanders to container recycling,” she said.
“With the inclusion of glass wine and spirit bottles, we have seen record volumes returned, and we are excited by the positive impact this scheme continues to have.”
The scheme operates as a product stewardship arrangement, where drink manufacturers cover the costs of operation, as well as processing the containers for recycling.
This ensures that manufacturers take responsibility for the environmental impact of their products after consumption.
The Queensland Government has appointed the not-for-profit group CoEx as the Product Responsibility Organisation (PRO) to manage the scheme. CoEx oversees ensuring the efficient operation of the scheme, providing access to container refund points throughout the state, and supporting ongoing expansion efforts.
CoEx offers various return options, including depots, 24-hour bag drops, self-serve reverse vending machines, and home collection services.
The Containers for Change app also allows users to track their refunds and find nearby return points.
Linard also emphasised the ongoing commitment of the Queensland Government to expanding the scheme and improving recycling rates across
the state.
We want to see the scheme continue to grow,” she said. “That’s why I am working with the board and CEO of Container Exchange on new ideas to further increase the rate of container recycling.”
The scheme will soon undergo a Parliamentary Inquiry, launched by the Queensland Government in February after the it said it wants to see the recycling rates increase further.
The scheme has a legislated target return rate of 85 per cent but, despite more Queenslanders returning their eligible items, the return rate has continually fallen short of that target
The scheme has a legislated target return rate of 85 per cent, but despite more Queenslanders returning their eligible items, the return rate has continually fallen short of that target.
COEX’s 2023-24 annual report reveals an annual recovery rate of 67.4 per cent, and the recovery rate for the first two quarters of this financial year is 62.7 per cent, around 20 per cent shy of legislated targets.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism and Minister for Science and Innovation, Andrew Powell, said the Inquiry would help identify how the program could be improved to put more refunds in Queenslanders’ pockets.
“The Queensland Government is committed to boosting recycling through Containers for Change, saving recyclables from landfill and delivering more refunds to Queenslanders,” said Powell.
“We need to understand why the program has fallen short of its targets … and how it can be improved to deliver more benefits for Queenslanders.
“The Inquiry will also assess deposit location coverage, to help boost Queenslanders’ access.”
The Inquiry will also examine the current state and operation of the scheme, its efficiency and effectiveness in delivering on its legislative objects.
The Parliamentary Committee has been tasked with delivering a report by August 2025, one that details how to improve the number of containers returned to hit the initial target.
If successful, the program will give key insights for other State Governments to evaluate.