When local fisherman Graham Rose pulled into Browns Plains Bottles and Cans on Friday 4 April 2025, he thought it was just any regular recycling run.  

But tucked among the 2,203 containers he dropped off that day was the 100 millionth container returned at the depot. 

Graham, like hundreds of thousands of Queenslanders, recycles his bottles and cans regularly - usually every few months - and says the scheme is a win-win. 

“It helps clean up Australia and puts a bit of extra cash in your pocket,” Graham said. 

“I usually use the money for food, to put petrol in the car and go fishing. I’m actually getting the windows in my car tinted this time!” 

Local, convenient and community focused 

If you live near Browns Plains, you’ve got a recycling gem on your doorstep. Owned and operated by Andrew and Julie Lambert since 2020, this depot has grown into a cornerstone of the community - and it's designed with convenience in mind. 

With a drive-through setup, you can return from the comfort of your own car. 

Simply drive in, then stay in your car as the team unloads and counts your containers on the spot. You get your refund, and you’re good to go! 

“We know what’s important to our customers, which is why we’ve set up the depot so vehicles can get through easily and quickly,” Andrew said. 

The streamlined setup and lightning-fast staff mean wait times are short and smiles are plenty. Hundreds of cars pass through the depot every day, with up to 700,000 containers returned weekly.  

Recycling that gives back 

Browns Plains Bottles & Cans does more than keep containers out of landfill - it’s built connections with the community and has supported many local causes over the past four years. 

And with this milestone, they’ve given helped give $10 million back to the community through the Containers for Change program.  

That’s real money going back into family budgets, hobbies, and household essentials – maybe even a fishing trip or two!