Wine and spirit bottles accepted at QLD CDS tomorrow

Queensland’s Containers for Change refund scheme will expand to include all glass wine and pure spirit bottles from tomorrow, Wednesday 1 November.

The Australian-first expansion of the program follows positive response from the community in support of including the additional bottles in the scheme.

Wednesday also marks the fifth anniversary of the Containers for Change scheme. In that time, more than 7.1 billion containers have been returned to refund points across Queensland. In 2023 alone, a record 1.23 billion containers have been returned so far.

Before the scheme was launched, only 18 per cent of drink containers were being recovered and recycled in Queensland. The current rate is almost 64 per cent.

The State Government has worked with Container Exchange (COEX), which manages the Containers for Change program, to ensure industry and facilities are ready for the change.

The state’s newest refund point opened in Brisbane last week, just in time for the scheme’s expansion. The new full service, drive through depot in Windsor will enable customers to drop off their containers and have them counted by staff, without having to leave their vehicle. For those not able to wait, a bag drop service will also be available at the site.

Environment Minister Leanne Linard said the container refund scheme continues to go from strength to strength.

“In five years we’ve seen 7.1 billion containers returned for recycling and re-use and, in the process, diverting them from landfill, which is great news for our environment,” Linard said.

“Our decision to include glass wine and pure spirit bottles followed an extensive consultation period, during which more than 6600 Queenslanders shared their thoughts about including additional containers in the refund program.

“Just over 98 per cent of participants were in favour of more containers being made eligible for refunds through the program.”

The Department of Environment and Science and Container Exchange have been actively engaging with wine manufacturers to help them prepare for the expansion. In recent weeks, Linard also met with representatives from peak bodies representing wine and spirit producers.

Container Exchange Chief Executive Officer Natalie Roach said the expansion means Queenslanders now have more reasons to become change makers and share in the environmental and economic benefits of the scheme.

Containers for Change also delivers significant social benefits across the state including employment for more than 930 Queenslanders. The new Windsor refund point has created six jobs.

More than $710 million has been returned to the pockets of Queensland households since the scheme began, including almost $11 million which has been paid to charities and community groups.

From 1 November Queenslanders will get 10 cents for every glass wine and spirit bottle, from 150 millilitres to three litres. These glass bottles can still be placed in the kerbside recycling bin.

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