Search our FAQs for the answer you're looking for.
Container Collect is a convenient 10c container pickup service for residential customers, businesses, charities and community groups. Instead of taking your eligible drink containers to a refund point, you can book a collection and we'll come to you.
Once your containers have been collected and processed, your refund will be paid digitally to your nominated bank account, PayPal account or chosen charity.
Container Collect is currently available in more than 1,000 suburbs across Queensland, and we're continuing to expand the service to new areas.
To check whether Container Collect is available in your area, use our online suburb look-up.
If Container Collect isn't available in your area yet, you can register your interest and we'll let you know if it becomes available in the future.
Container Collect is available to residential customers, businesses, charities and community groups in eligible service areas.
During the booking process, you'll be asked whether you're booking as a residential customer, organisation or commercial customer, or a non-profit or community group. Based on your selection, we'll guide you through the relevant collection options available to you.
You need a minimum of 100 eligible containers to make a Container Collect booking.
There are two ways you can book a Container Collect pickup for your 100+ empty containers:
When making a booking, you’ll need to let us know your address, member number, how many bags you’re returning and the location of those bags for pick-up.
When making a booking, you'll be asked to provide:
When making a Container Collect booking, you'll be able to select from the collection dates and collection windows offered by participating Container Collect operators in your area.
You'll receive notifications throughout the collection process, including when your driver is en route.
Yes. If more than one Container Collect operator is available in your area, you'll be able to compare the available services and choose the operator that best suits your needs when making a booking.
Yes! You can save your collection address, instructions and photos in the Containers for Change app or online booking platform to make future Container Collect bookings quicker and easier.
Yes. Please label your bags with the Containers for Change member number used to make the booking. This helps your operator identify your collection and ensures your refund is paid to the correct account and payment preference.
No. Container Collect is a contact-free service, so you don't need to be present during your collection. Simply leave your containers in the collection location specified in your booking and include any relevant access instructions in your Booking Notes.
You'll need to label your bags or bins with your Containers for Change member number to ensure your containers are linked to the correct account and your refund is paid to the right place.
You can label your bags or bins in whatever way works best for you, as long as your member number is clear, easy to read and securely attached. Many customers choose to:
Your containers will be collected by the local Containers for Change operator you selected during the booking process. You can view your selected operator and collection details in the Containers for Change app or online booking platform.
The Containers for Change app and Container Collect online booking platform use the same login details as your Containers for Change account.
Simply sign in using the email address and password linked to your Containers for Change account.
New to Containers for Change? Create an account here to get started.
To edit your booking: You can edit your Container Collect booking through the Containers for Change app or online booking platform up until 11.59pm on the day before your collection.
To cancel your booking: You can cancel your Container Collect booking through the Containers for Change app or online booking platform until your driver is en route.
Container Collect is just one of the ways organisations can return eligible drink containers. Depending on your collection needs and container volumes, you may prefer a Container Collect pickup, visiting a refund point, or discussing other collection options with a local Containers for Change operator.
If you're unsure which option is right for your organisation, contact Containers for Change on 13 42 42 and we'll help point you in the right direction.
There's no set limit, but bags and bins should be easy to move and safe to collect. As a general guide, if a bag or bin feels too heavy for you to move safely, it's probably too heavy for your driver too.
To help ensure a smooth collection, avoid overfilling bags or bins and make sure your containers can be collected safely and easily.
Yes. You can use the same Containers for Change member number across multiple collection locations. When making a booking, simply add the collection address for that location and complete the booking using your member number.
Available collection methods vary between Container Collect operators. If bin collections are available in your area, you'll be able to select this option when making your booking.
You can download the Containers for Change QLD app to make a Container Collect booking on the Apple Store and Google Play store.
Please ensure your containers are ready for collection before the collection window specified in your booking. You can check your collection window in the Containers for Change app or online booking platform.
If your organisation returns high container volumes regularly, the Containers for Change Partner Program may be a more suitable option for you.
Learn more about our Partner Program at containersforchange.com.au/qld/organisations.
No, you don't need to sort your containers before a Container Collect pickup.
Just make sure your containers are eligible, lids have been removed, and your bags or bins are clearly labelled with your Containers for Change member number.
If you need to share additional information with your driver, you can update your Booking Notes in the Containers for Change app or online booking platform. This can include changes to the location of your containers, collection instructions or photos.
Simply open your booking and update the Booking Notes section. Any information you add will be shared with your driver.
You'll receive an SMS once your containers have been collected. If your containers are no longer at the collection location and you haven't received a collection confirmation, please contact Containers for Change on 13 42 42 for assistance.
Please note that Containers for Change does not take responsibility for the security of containers left out for collection.
We recommend using any sturdy bag that is secure enough to hold your containers while carrying and transporting them as this is to ensure they don’t break during the collection process. It’s important to be mindful of the types of containers you are returning and to be conscious of the weight particularly if you have glass containers.
Please keep in mind that any bag you use won’t be returned to you and any bags that cannot be safely and securely transported may be left.
If you opt into using other storage methods such as boxes, please note that the operator may leave the boxes in the pick-up area once collected.
When making a booking, you'll be asked where your containers will be left for collection. Choose a location that is easy for your driver to find, safely access and collect from.
You can also add Booking Notes and photos to help your driver locate your containers. If the collection location changes, simply update your booking details before your collection.
Please note that containers left in an unsafe or inaccessible location may not be collected.
You can view the Container Collect Terms and Conditions at containersforchange.com.au/qld/container-collect.
Yes. You'll receive a reminder the day before your collection, an update when your driver is en route, and a final confirmation once your Container Collect pickup has been completed.
You can track these updates via SMS, as well as in your Booking Notes within the Containers for Change app or online booking platform.
Yes. You'll receive an SMS once your containers have been collected, confirming that your Container Collect pickup is complete.
Your containers are typically counted and processed within three days of collection. Once processed, the time it takes for your refund to reach your account will depend on your financial institution.
Yes. You can choose to donate your refund to any cause registered to receive Containers for Change donations.
Simply select your chosen cause as the payment preference linked to your Containers for Change account. Once your containers have been collected and processed, your refund will be donated automatically.
You can update your payment preferences at any time through your Containers for Change account.
Looking for a cause to support? Visit containersforchange.com.au/qld/donate-your-refund
Once your containers have been collected, counted and processed, your refund will be paid digitally to the payment method linked to your Containers for Change account.
You can choose to have your refund paid directly into your bank account, paid via PayPal, or donated to your selected cause. You can update your payment preferences at any time through your Containers for Change account before your collection.
If your collection couldn't be completed, you may find an update from your operator in the Booking Notes section of the Containers for Change app or online booking platform.
Collections may be unsuccessful if containers can't be located, accessed safely, or don't meet the collection requirements.
If you can't find an update or need further assistance, please contact Containers for Change on 13 42 42.
If you have a concern about your refund or collection service, please contact Containers for Change on 13 42 42 or email [email protected]. We'll work with you and your operator to investigate the issue.
Only certain drink containers are eligible for a refund. If you have checked that all the containers you returned were eligible, let us know by calling 13 42 42 so we can investigate this with the operator.
Yes! During the booking process, you'll be asked whether you're booking as a residential customer, organisation or commercial customer, or a non-profit or community group. Based on your selection, we'll guide you through the relevant booking options available in your area.
Replacement bags or bins are only provided by some Container Collect operators as part of their service. If replacement bags or bins are available, your operator will let you know. If you use your own bags, bins or boxes to store containers, please note that these may be left on the premises on collection day or not returned after pick-up.
Recurring collections may be available through an arrangement with your Operator. If your organisation regularly collects containers, contact your preferred operator to discuss your collection needs and available options.
A 3-cent per container collection fee applies to Container Collect pickups. The fee is automatically deducted from your refund when your containers are processed.
Registered charities, community groups and holders of selected concession cards may be eligible to have the collection fee waived.
Before confirming your booking, you'll see an estimated refund and collection fee based on the number of containers you enter.
Your final refund and collection fee will be calculated based on the actual number of eligible containers collected and processed, so the final amount may differ from the estimate shown when you made your booking.
Yes, Container Collect is just one way to return. You can continue to use standard refund points, including Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs), depots, bag drops and regional pop-ups, without a collection fee.
To find a return point near you, visit: www.containersforchange.com.au/qld/where-to-return
No. The collection fee is automatically deducted from your refund when your containers are processed. You won't be asked to make a separate payment to the operator.
Your final refund is based on the actual number of eligible containers collected and processed, so the amount you receive may differ from the estimate shown when you made your booking. This can happen if:
If you've checked that all the containers you returned were eligible and you still believe there's an issue with your payment, please contact Containers for Change on 13 42 42 and we'll investigate with your operator.
The collection fee is paid directly to the local operator providing your Container Collect service. It helps support the collection and transport of your containers.
Some people and organisations may be eligible to have the Container Collect collection fee waived. Eligible customers include:
If you're eligible, you'll be asked to provide your concession card details when making a booking.
Get in touch if you have a complaint, compliment or a specific enquiry.
