Queenslanders are continuing to embrace the state’s container deposit scheme, with the six billionth container returned through the Containers for Change’s network of 360 refund points.
The scheme launched in November 2018 offering 10-cent refunds on eligible drink containers, with more than 150 million containers refunded in January 2023 alone.
Queensland Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon celebrated the milestone with a visit to one of the state’s newest container refund points at Dundowran in Hervey Bay.
“Lots of Queenslanders are keen to refund even more containers and facilities like this beautiful site at Dundowran make it easy for residents to cash in and make change,” the Minister said.
“Statewide our container refund point network has seen more than six billion containers saved from landfill which is proof of the initiative’s huge success.
“Containers for Change has created more than 815 jobs, and we’re grateful to all of those workers who have been worked hard through one of the busiest summers of recycling ever in the state,” she said.
“Every one of the six billion containers refunded is saved from ending up as litter or landfill, which is an absolutely enormous win, especially for our iconic Queensland environment,” she said.
Natalie Roach, the new chief executive officer of Container Exchange the not-for-profit that runs the container refund scheme, says 2023 is set to be an exciting year.
“Containers for Change has put more than $590 million back into the pockets of Queenslanders, with an additional $10 million going to charities and community groups,”
“We’ve got one of our biggest years ever ahead of us, as we open our first refund points in the Torres Strait, and continue to expand the network to allow convenient access to the scheme to all Queenslanders,”
“Over the last few months Queenslanders have been having their say about the possible expansion of the scheme to include wine and spirit bottles, and we encourage everyone to share their view on the government’s survey before February 20,” she said.