Queenslanders returned a record number of beverage containers through the state’s container refund scheme, Containers for Change, over the summer, with the program reporting several milestones.
The record-breaking returns come as a Parliamentary Inquiry examines the scheme’s performance, following concerns that it is failing to meet its legislated 85 per cent recovery target. As previously reported, the scheme’s 2023-24 annual report showed a return rate of 67.4 per cent, with the first two quarters of the current financial year sitting at 62.7 per cent. The inquiry will assess the efficiency and accessibility of refund points, with a report due in August 2025.
In January, 183.2 million beverage containers were returned for the 10-cent refund, the highest monthly total since the scheme's launch in November 2018. This followed a previous record in December 2024, when 178 million containers were returned.
December also saw the highest single-day return, with 9.4 million containers collected on 23 December.
Natalie Roach, CEO of Container Exchange, the not-for-profit organisation that runs Containers for Change, said the growth reflected Queenslanders’ commitment to reducing litter and improving recycling rates.
“The back-to-back record months put more than $36 million back into the pockets of Queenslanders, community groups and charities,” Roach said.
“The single-day record just before Christmas meant almost $1 million in 10-cent refunds were given out at a time when every dollar had a meaningful impact on the lives of people across our state.”
February also marked a new milestone, with 152.8 million beverage containers returned, surpassing the previous leap year record of 152.5 million.
Roach noted that despite challenges such as flooding in high-return areas, participation in the scheme continues to grow.
“There are currently 377 collection points across the state, and we continue to expand our network to encourage more Queenslanders to participate in the scheme,” she said.
