How Local Businesses in Cairns Can Benefit from Containers for Change

Containers for Change is a container deposit scheme that offers 10 cents for every eligible drink container returned to a refund point. This includes most aluminium, glass, plastic, steel, and liquid paperboard containers between 150 ml and 3 litres.

In Cairns, businesses can participate by collecting eligible containers and dropping them off at a local refund depot or arranging for bulk collection. For many, this is not just an environmental choice—it’s also an economic and social opportunity.

Environmental awareness is on the rise in Queensland, especially in tropical regions like Cairns, where natural beauty is central to lifestyle and tourism. Local businesses that participate in the scheme not only reduce their environmental footprint but also demonstrate leadership in sustainability.

Participating in the scheme may help your business:



• Divert waste from the landfill.
• Support recycling and circular economy efforts.
• Engage staff and customers in environmental goals.
  

Food and beverage businesses often deal with high volumes of drink containers. Rather than sending them to general waste, sorting and storing them for refund can be a straightforward part of daily operations.

Here’s how hospitality venues in Cairns can benefit:



• Revenue from returns. Even a small cafe may generate hundreds of containers weekly. The refunds can be reinvested into supplies or staff perks.
• Positive branding. Customers often support venues that are visibly eco-conscious.
• Staff engagement. Assigning the task of container management can involve team members in a shared sustainability goal.
  

Even in non-hospitality workplaces, such as offices and coworking spaces, drink containers from staff kitchens or vending machines add up.

Benefits include:



• Team morale. Office-wide recycling can foster a collaborative, purpose-driven culture.
• Charity support. Businesses may choose to donate the refunds to a chosen local cause or school.
• Waste reduction. By separating eligible containers from general waste, businesses reduce bin volume and frequency of collection services.

In a city like Cairns, where events and tourism are key industries, refund schemes can integrate seamlessly into temporary and mobile setups.

How the scheme can support these operations:



• Portable returns. Large bins for events or guided tours can be collected or dropped off.
• Partnership opportunities. Collaborate with local groups or charities to share proceeds.
• Community perception. Tourists and locals are likely to view sustainability initiatives positively.

A container recycling provider can help simplify the return process by offering a range of practical solutions suited to business needs. This may include access to designated drop-off locations, bulk collection services for high-volume returns, and the supply of signage and support materials to guide staff and customers. 

These tools make it easier to keep returns organised, improve participation, and reduce disruption to daily operations. Whether your business is based in the Cairns CBD or located in the surrounding suburbs, convenient drop-off access and scheduled collections are typically available to support your involvement in the Containers for Change program.

Participation in Containers for Change isn’t limited to large companies. It’s designed to be inclusive, scalable, and adaptable. Small and medium-sized businesses across Cairns are already using it to:



• Build relationships with local schools and sports clubs through shared fundraising.
• Demonstrate sustainability during tender applications or council partnerships.
• Gain recognition for environmental contributions in local media or awards.
  

If you're a business owner or manager looking to get involved, here’s a simple roadmap:



• Sign up with a refund point: Register for a scheme ID if you'd like refunds paid via EFT.
• Set up a collection system: Use labelled bins or crates in kitchens, common areas, or loading zones.
• Educate your team: Share which containers are eligible and encourage sorting.
• Return regularly: Drop off at a depot or arrange for collection, depending on your volume.
• Track results: Monitor how much you're returning and the value it brings.
  

Cairns has unique challenges—tropical weather, tourist fluctuations, and outdoor-focused operations. A local provider that understands these conditions can offer tailored collection and refund solutions to suit your business’s rhythm.

Whether you manage a small cafe in Edge Hill or a resort in Palm Cove, the support structure is there to help you maximise the program’s benefits with minimal disruption.

Collections can be scheduled around your peak hours, and guidance is available to train staff on sorting eligible containers. This ensures your business stays efficient while participating in the scheme without unnecessary hassle.

Cairns is known for its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage rainforests. By participating in Containers for Change, businesses can play a part in preserving these natural assets.

This initiative empowers local operators to contribute to broader environmental goals while creating tangible returns, both financial and reputational. Reducing container waste helps minimise landfill impact, and consistent recycling efforts can improve community perception.

Over time, small efforts add up—supporting a cleaner Cairns that reflects the environmental values of locals and visitors alike. Every container collected contributes to a healthier ecosystem for future generations.

At North Queensland Recycling Agents, we provide accessible container return solutions for local businesses through the Containers for Change program. Whether you’re managing a cafe, office, venue, or tourism service, we can help you set up a system that works.

Contact us today to join the program and turn your containers into community value.