What is Containers for Change & How Does It Work?

Containers for Change is a container refund scheme introduced in Queensland that offers a 10-cent refund for each eligible drink container returned to a designated refund point. The initiative aims to reduce the number of beverage containers that end up in landfills or as litter by incentivising people to return and recycle.

Eligible containers usually include:

• Plastic bottles and aluminium cans between 150ml and 3 litres
• Glass drink bottles, like beer or soft drinks
• Cartons for juice or flavoured milk

Ineligible containers often include:

• Plain milk containers
• Wine and spirit bottles
• Cordial or syrup containers
• Containers under 150ml or over 3 litres

Getting involved in Containers for Change in Cairns is simple. The straightforward process makes recycling accessible to everyone. Participating in cash for cans in Cairns at local refund points is both convenient and efficient.

Here’s how the process works:

• Collect eligible containers: Start by saving all containers that qualify for the program. It helps to keep a separate bin at home or work to sort recyclables from regular waste.
• Prepare the containers: Rinse out each bottle or can to ensure they’re clean and remove any caps or lids, which are recycled separately.
• Find your refund point: Locate the nearest refund point in Cairns.
• Return your containers: Drop them off at a depot, reverse vending machine or mobile collection service.
• Receive your refund: You can choose to receive cash, have it transferred directly to your bank account via a scheme ID, or donate it to a community group.
  

The Containers for Change program is more than a convenient way to earn a little extra—it creates positive change across multiple levels. From environmental impact to community development, the ripple effect is significant.

Environmental benefits:

• Litter reduction: Reduces the number of containers ending up on beaches, roadsides and parks.
• Resource conservation: Recycles materials that can be reused to create new products, cutting down the need for raw resources.
• Landfill diversion: Keeps recyclable materials out of landfills, reducing pressure on waste management systems.

Community benefits:



• Local job creation: New roles in collection, sorting and depot management support local employment.
• Fundraising opportunities: Schools, charities, and sporting clubs can collect containers to raise money for their activities.
• Public awareness: Encourages a culture of sustainability and responsible waste disposal.

In Cairns, residents can return containers to various refund points, each designed to make recycling accessible and efficient. These locations vary in format and capacity but all support the same goal: encouraging community participation in the Containers for Change program.

Types of refund points include:

• Depot refund points: Ideal for bulk drop-offs. Staff count and sort your containers and process your refund on the spot.
• Reverse vending machines: Insert eligible containers one by one. The machine scans and processes them automatically, issuing a receipt or credit to your scheme ID.
• Pop-up or mobile collection points: These temporary locations cater to regional or event-specific recycling needs.

Each option provides flexibility based on how many containers you have and your location.

Once you’ve collected and returned your containers, you’ll receive a 10-cent refund for each one. It might not seem like much at first glance, but those coins add up quickly, especially for schools, community groups or households that consume large volumes of beverages.

Ways to make the most of your refunds:

• Donate to a cause: Local charities and schools often register their scheme IDs for public donations.
• Start a family fund: Encourage kids to collect and sort containers. Use the funds for activities or treats.
• Invest in sustainable products: Use the refund to purchase reusable water bottles, shopping bags or compost bins.

Cairns, with its close proximity to marine ecosystems and a high volume of tourism, faces particular challenges around waste management and environmental preservation. Litter from bottles and cans can easily make its way into the ocean, harming marine life and polluting waterways.

The Containers for Change scheme helps address this by:

• Reducing urban & marine litter: Encourages proper disposal of recyclable containers.
• Promoting civic responsibility: Residents and visitors alike are reminded of their role in environmental care.
• Improving recycling rates: More containers are being recycled instead of being dumped in the general waste.

As a coastal city, Cairns has a unique opportunity to lead by example in sustainable living, and this scheme is one accessible step in that direction.

Official Containers for Change operators across Cairns offer easy-to-use refund point services that help both individuals and community groups participate. These operators are committed to providing efficient service, helpful guidance and convenient locations to ensure the recycling process is as smooth as possible.

Key benefits of using local refund points include:

• Support with bulk returns and scheme ID setup to help newcomers get started.
• Clean, well-organised depots for fast, hassle-free container returns.
• Opportunities for community involvement through donation drives and local partnerships.

Whether you're dropping off a few bottles or a trailer-load of containers, local refund points are ready to assist you in contributing to a cleaner, greener Cairns.

At North Queensland Recycling Agents, we believe every can, bottle and carton counts. Our mission is to make bottle recycling in Cairns simple, accessible and rewarding for everyone. Whether you’re a parent, student, business or community group, we’re here to help you turn waste into opportunity.

Find your nearest refund point, set up your scheme ID or ask us how to get involved. Let’s make a difference together—one container at a time.