Queenslanders use close to three billion beverage containers every year. The introduction of the legislated state-wide container refund scheme, Containers for Change, incentivises people to collect and return containers for recycling in exchange for a 10-cent refund per container.

The container refund scheme aims to:

• reduce the amount of littered drink containers
• increase Queensland’s recycling rate
• create new jobs, recycling and fundraising opportunities, providing benefits to social enterprises, communities, and regional and remote areas.

Between when Containers for Change commenced on 1 November 2018 and 30 June 2024:

• over 10.3 billion containers have been returned through container refund points and material recovery facilities,
• more than 1,500 jobs have been created,
• more than $851 million has been refunded to individuals,
• a further $13.5 million has been refunded to charities and community groups.

More information:

• Containers for Change