QLD Containers for Change breaks its own record with 10 billion returns

Ten billion beverage containers have been returned through Queensland’s Containers for Change initiative.

Natalie Roach, Chief Executive Officer of Container Exchange, the not-for-profit organisation that runs Containers for Change, said the achievement is a milestone all Queensland should celebrate.

It comes off the back of a record-breaking return month in January 2025 when 183.2 million beverage containers were returned. This was a back-to-back record for the best month, with the previous record set in December 2024, with 178 million beverage containers returned.

“Thanks to Queenslanders, more than 600,000 tonnes of container waste has been diverted from landfill, which is enough to fill almost 3000 Olympic-sized swimming pools,” Roach said.

“Over the past six years, we’ve heard incredible stories about the real difference Containers for Change has made across the state from boosting recycling rates to creating over 1500 local jobs.

“Queenslanders have also donated almost $17 million in 10-cent refunds to charities.”

Andrew Powell, Minister for the Environment and Tourism welcomed the milestone.

“We know Queenslanders want to do the right thing to protect our wonderful environment,” he said. “We are determined to find new ways to lift recycling rates and a big part of that is making sure Queenslanders have accessible ways to recycle in their local community.”

The returned containers have also put $1 billion in 10-cent refunds back into Queensland communities.

Roach said the milestone is an opportunity for Queenslanders who are not yet taking part in the scheme to look at how they could collect containers and refunds.

“Every year about three billion containers are sold in Queensland, but one billion of these are still going unreturned – that’s $100 million in 10-cent refunds left unclaimed,” she said.

“Those containers represent a great opportunity for individuals, charities, community groups, sporting clubs and businesses to get started on their container collecting journey.

“Every container collected has a significant environmental, social and economic impact, and together we can work towards ensuring no container goes to waste.”

For more information, visit: www.containersforchange.com.au/qld/