The Exchange Shed in Jimboomba has just celebrated a major milestone, with $10 million in container refunds returned to the local community after 100 million containers were returned through the depot.

That $10 million has flowed back into the pockets of local families and community members, while also supporting charities, schools and community groups across the region.

But the impact doesn’t stop at refunds.

A depot with heart

The Exchange Shed has grown into a trusted community hub, where locals can also drop off essential items like instant cup noodles, biscuits and cordial, knowing they’ll go directly to people who need them.

Since 2021, the depot has partnered with Rosies – Friends on the Street, an organisation supporting people experiencing homelessness, isolation or disadvantage across South East Queensland.

Each year, The Exchange Shed donates an average of $20,000 to Rosies, helping fund initiatives such as their annual Long Lunch fundraiser and ongoing community-driven food donations. Every month, the team also organises a large food shop, with essential items distributed through Rosies’ outreach vans.

Megan Lever, owner of the family-owned Containers for Change depot, said she was proud of the role The Exchange Shed plays in turning recycling into real community support.

“Seeing how container refunds help us support local causes is pretty amazing, it shows the real power of recycling,” Mrs Lever said.

“Thank you to our community for your loyalty and patronage. It's a privilege to give back to the people and groups who support us. Keep bringing those containers in, because every container counts!”
 

Turning small actions into lasting impact

For Rosies, this steady support makes a meaningful difference.

“Every action that Megan and her team take enables us to provide comfort, connection, friendship and referral to people experiencing homelessness, disadvantage and social isolation,” Mrs Hennessy Overton said.

“Our volunteers could not do the work that they do every night without the support of generous individuals and business owners like Megan.”

Those everyday actions - returning containers, donating refunds or dropping off food — help volunteers show up night after night, offering warmth, dignity and human connection.

This $10 million milestone is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when communities come together and take simple actions every day. 

Whether you return containers for your own refund, donate them to a local charity or support a cause close to your heart, you’re helping turn empty containers into real impact - right where it’s needed most.

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