Containers for Change Cairns

Containers for Change Cairns Program

At North Queensland Recycling Agents, we’re committed to reducing waste and encouraging smart recycling habits across the Cairns region. The Containers for Change Cairns program gives residents, schools and businesses a chance to earn a 10-cent refund for every eligible drink container returned. It’s not just a way to clean up our streets and parks, it’s also a great incentive to build sustainable habits while getting cash for cans in Cairns.

As an accredited operator, we help locals make the most out of the cash for cans process by providing accessible collection points, fast refund options and community-focused recycling solutions. Whether you’re returning a few bottles or managing bulk returns, we make the process simple and rewarding.

Benefits Beyond the Refund

While getting money back with cash for cans in Cairns is a strong motivator, the Containers for Change program delivers broader benefits. Recycling drink containers keeps them out of landfill, reduces the need for raw materials and lowers greenhouse gas emissions.



For businesses and community groups, it’s a chance to generate income while promoting environmental responsibility. Schools can use the program for educational purposes, showing students the value of sustainability through hands-on involvement. Sporting clubs and non-profits can raise money by collecting containers from events or working with their local depot.

It’s about more than just cleaning up—it’s about creating long-term behavioural change.

Our Depot Services

North Queensland Recycling Agents operates a conveniently located depot for cash for cans in Cairns, built to handle large and small returns quickly and efficiently. We’ve designed our facility to cater to the needs of everyday residents as well as businesses, schools and organisations managing high volumes.

Some of the services we offer include:

• Fast drive-through returns with minimal waiting
• Walk-in returns with staff support for sorting
• Bulk container processing for commercial clients
• Bag drop options with digital refund systems



We aim to make every visit to our depot fast, friendly and worthwhile.

Fast Refund Options

Getting your refund through the cash for cans Cairns system is straightforward. There are a few different ways you can receive your payment, depending on your preference and how you return your containers.

Some key refund options include:

• Cash payouts on-site for immediate returns
• Bank transfers via the scheme’s digital ID system
• Donation options to local charities or community groups
• Credit vouchers at select participating retailers



Using your scheme ID speeds things up with receiving your cash for cans in Cairns and helps track your returns over time. We can assist you with setting up your account if you haven’t already, so you don’t miss a cent.

Community & Charity Partnerships

We’re proud to partner with local schools, community groups and charity organisations who use the Containers for Change Cairns program as a valuable fundraising tool. By collecting containers at events or setting up return bins in their facilities, these groups turn waste into much-needed financial support.

We offer tailored support for groups of all sizes, including:

• Branded donation bins
• Scheduled collection services
• Promotional materials to encourage participation
• On-site training for volunteers or students

It’s a simple yet powerful way to raise awareness and funding at the same time.

Bulk Returns Made Easy

If you manage a business, community centre or school and handle a high number of drink containers, our bulk return service saves you time and effort. We work with a range of commercial and non-profit clients across the Cairns region to handle large-scale returns efficiently.



Our team can help set up:

• Secure storage solutions for containers
• Regular pick-up schedules based on your volume
• Reporting tools so you can track your returns and income
• Customised drop-off services outside regular depot hours

We’re here to help you build a hassle-free, profitable recycling program at your organisation.

Schools Recycling With Us

Schools across Cairns are using the Containers for Change Cairns initiative as a practical tool for environmental education and fundraising. At North Queensland Recycling Agents, we work closely with school leaders to set up collection stations, schedule pick-ups and teach students how the system works.



By getting students involved in sorting and returning with the cash for cans in Cairns, they develop a better appreciation of sustainability while helping their school raise money for projects, excursions or classroom resources.

Common Myths About the Program

Despite its success, several myths still surround the Containers for Change scheme. One common belief is that all bottles are accepted, when in fact some containers like wine bottles and long-life milk cartons are excluded. Another misconception is that crushed containers can be returned. In reality, containers must be uncrushed with readable labels.



Some also believe that returns only work in large numbers. That’s false—every container counts, and even small batches quickly add up. We’re always happy to clarify what’s accepted and how refunds work, so don’t hesitate to ask us when you visit.

Helping Clean Up Cairns

Cairns is known for its natural beauty, and keeping it that way is everyone’s responsibility. The Containers for Change program gives people a clear, practical way to reduce litter in parks, on roadsides and in waterways.



We encourage residents to get involved with local clean-up events, use the scheme to remove rubbish from public spaces and report illegal dumping when they see it. Every returned container helps create a cleaner, more enjoyable environment.

Support for Remote Communities

We also work with smaller communities and remote areas around Cairns to provide access to container refunds and recycling services. Mobile collection units, temporary depots and regional partnerships help spread the scheme’s benefits beyond the city.



By working with councils, community leaders and local groups, we’re helping more people participate—no matter where they live.

Business Solutions

Businesses in Cairns can benefit from joining the Containers for Change Cairns program by reducing waste management costs and creating positive environmental impact. Whether you operate a café, restaurant, hotel or factory, your returned containers can quickly translate into dollars.

We offer scheduled collections, secure storage units and itemised reporting so you can track both your returns and your savings. It’s an easy way to boost your sustainability goals while recovering value from used containers.

Setting Up Workplace Returns

Many workplaces collect eligible containers throughout the week and return them in batches. We support businesses looking to create simple internal recycling programs with minimal disruption. Staff can drop containers into provided bins, and we’ll handle the collection and processing.



This approach builds team engagement and supports a greener workplace culture. It's also a practical step toward corporate social responsibility goals.

Why Choose Us?

North Queensland Recycling Agents is a locally owned and operated business that cares about the environment and our community. We’ve been part of the Cairns recycling scene for years, and we know what matters to our customers: fast service, fair refunds and community impact.



We’re proud to support residents, schools, businesses and non-profits as they take part in the program. Our goal is to make recycling easy, accessible and beneficial for everyone involved.

Contact Us Today

If you're ready to start making a positive impact with the Containers for Change Cairns program, we’re here to help. Whether you’re an individual looking to return your containers or a business interested in setting up a recycling program, North Queensland Recycling Agents is your trusted local partner.



Get in touch with us today to find out more about our services, depot locations or how we can assist with your container returns. We’re happy to answer any questions you have and help you get started. Together, we can create a cleaner, greener Cairns—one container at a time.