Creating a recycling scheme to keep Queensland beautiful
As a state, we’re great at many things. However, when it comes to recycling, Queensland can do a lot better. In fact, we have one of the lowest recycling rates in Australia, at around 44%.
Each year, approximately 3 billion beverage containers are generated in our state alone and are the second most littered item.
So to help us all improve our recycling efforts and keep our beautiful environment litter-free, Queensland’s Containers for Change scheme lets people get a 10-cent refund for each eligible container returned to a container refund point.
The scheme commences 1 November 2018 with more than 230 refund sites available across the state and more sites will be added in the future. To view the current list of container refund points click here.
Discover which containers are eligible.
In 2017, the Queensland Government appointed Container Exchange (CoEx) to run the scheme. To find out more information visit www.containerexchange.com.au
How it works
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is a Container Refund Scheme being introduced?
The Queensland Government is introducing a Container Refund Scheme (CRS) to reduce the amount of beverage container litter that enters our environment by providing an incentive for people to collect and return eligible containers for recycling in exchange for a refund payment. Flow-on benefits include business and employment opportunities as part of the operation of the Scheme.
When does the Scheme start?
The Scheme will start on 1 November 2018. From this date any eligible beverage containers can be returned to a Container Refund Point in exchange for a 10 cent refund.
Please see list of eligible containers for refund, as refund marks will not be on the containers at the Scheme commencement date.
How does the Scheme work?
Members of the public will be able to exchange eligible empty containers for a 10 cent refund at authorised Container Refund Points, or they can donate them at authorised Donation Points set up by local community groups or charities which would then be entitled to receive the 10 cent refund.
Containers can be returned by individuals or organisations and any number of containers can be returned at one time, providing that the given Container Refund Point has capacity to accept them.
Who runs the Container Refund Scheme?
The Queensland Parliament passed the Waste Reduction and Recycling Amendment Bill with bipartisan support in September 2017. It provides that the CRS will be established, managed and operated by a Product Responsibility Organisation (PRO).
The Queensland Government appointed Container Exchange as the PRO. Container Exchange is an entity established for the purpose of undertaking the PRO role. Under legislation, it will be governed by a board with an independent chair, three independent directors and representatives from the beverage industry; and will carry out its activities not for the profit or gain of its members.
The PRO’s responsibilities include (but are not limited to) ensuring the product stewardship of beverage manufacturers by collecting funds from beverage manufacturers (which are required by legislation to fund the costs of the CRS), contracting with Container Refund Point Operators and other service providers to deliver the CRS.
Who is Container Exchange?
Container Exchange was founded to apply for the role of the Product Responsibility Organisation under the Queensland Container Refund Scheme.
Container Exchange will be a not-for-profit entity (application currently pending) that is solely focused on achieving the aims of the CRS – reducing beverage container litter and fostering job opportunities in recycling by working closely with local businesses, social enterprises and community groups.
Now that Container Exchange has been appointed as the Product Responsibility Organisation by Government, one of the next steps will be the appointment of an independent chair and three independent directors onto Container Exchange’s Board to govern Container Exchange’s operations and performance.
To demonstrate the beverage industry’s commitment to the Container Refund Scheme’s objectives, representatives from the beverage industry will also be appointed to Container Exchange Board.
To assist in getting Container Exchange up and running, Coca-Cola Amatil and Lion have acted as founding members to fund the mobilisation costs of Container Exchange.