Record-breaking recycling at Gympie Music Muster
374,000 containers saved and $37,400 donated!
Queenslanders have once again shown that when we recycle together, incredible things happen. At this year’s Gympie Music Muster, festivalgoers didn’t just dance to great tunes - they made history.
More than 374,000 drink containers were returned through the green Containers for Change bins across the four-day festival held in late August 2025, setting a new record for the most containers ever collected at a Queensland event.
That’s a whopping $37,451.20 in 10-cent refunds - all donated to the event’s official charity partner, River’s Gift, which funds vital research, education and advocacy to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Small actions, big impact
Gympie Music Muster Chief Executive Officer Greg Cavanagh said he was blown away by the Muster community’s commitment to recycling and giving back.
“That’s the power of thousands of small actions adding up to something life-changing,” Mr Cavanagh said.
“It’s not just about the music; it’s about mateship, giving back, and looking after the land we celebrate on. Seeing patrons embrace Containers for Change in such a big way tells me sustainability and community support can go hand-in-hand.”
And he’s right. Those few seconds it takes to return a container can add up to real change for people, communities, and the planet.
Turning refunds into real impact
Behind the scenes, local Containers for Change operator Change Exchange helped make it all happen. The team managed the event’s container collection and ensured every eligible bottle and can found its way into the right place, and into a refund that made a difference.
Change Exchange General Manager Steve Cox said the milestone was a proud moment for his team.
“We work with major events to help organisers turn container refunds into real impact - whether that’s offsetting costs, supporting local causes, or achieving sustainability goals,” Mr Cox said.
Every container counts
The Gympie Music Muster story shows how powerful recycling can be when a community gets behind it.
By simply choosing to use the green Containers for Change bins, festivalgoers helped raise tens of thousands of dollars for a meaningful cause and kept hundreds of thousands of containers out of landfill.
It’s proof that doing your bit really adds up - one container at a time.
Ready to make your impact?
Sign up for a member number and start tracking your returns today, or find a local cause to support!