This Keep Australia Beautiful Week, we’re celebrating the everyday actions Queenslanders are taking to reduce litter and protect the places we love — starting with something as simple as returning a bottle or can. 

Since Containers for Change launched in 2018, drink container litter in Queensland has dropped by 60%, according to the Queensland Government's Department of Environment, Science and Innovation's March 2024 litter report.

According to the CSIRO, container refund schemes like ours have also contributed to a 40% reduction in litter in coastal environments across the country— protecting our beaches, waterways, and marine life. 

Returning your empty bottles and cans earns you 10 cents, but the impact goes beyond the refund. Every container you return helps reduce litter and protect Queensland’s natural beauty for future generations. 

How you can get involved 

Want to make an impact this Keep Australia Beautiful Week? Here are a few easy ways to get started: 

1. Take the ‘10 Minute ‘Pick Up Pieces Challenge’ 

Set a timer for 10 minutes and see how many drink containers you can collect around your neighbourhood, local park, or beach.  

Then return them through Containers for Change and claim your refund. It’s a fun, simple way to clean up your local area — and the results add up fast. 

You’ve probably heard of depots, bag drops and reverse vending machines — but have you spotted a Container Exchange Point (CEP)? 

CEPs are wire baskets or racks attached to public bins, designed for people to drop their eligible drink containers instead of throwing them away. 

Someone else can collect the container and earn the 10-cent refund — a simple, community-minded way to support recycling, reduce litter, and even help others earn a little extra cash. 

There are over 600 CEPs across 13 council areas in Queensland, with more to come. Next time you're out and about, challenge yourself to spot one — and give it a go! 

For even more inspiration, visit the official Keep Australia Beautiful Week 2025 website. 

You’ll find great ideas on how to reduce litter, get involved in clean-up events, and even run local reuse and recycling projects in your school or community. 

Let’s keep it going 
This Keep Australia Beautiful Week, join the movement. Take the challenge. Try a CEP. Return your empties.