Containers for Change is Queensland’s bottle and can recycling program which started in November 2018 with an aim to keep recyclable containers out of landfill.
You’ve probably seen the little ‘10c refund mark’ on your bottle of water or can of soft drink but did you know this little mark can create endless opportunities?
Let’s take a look at the top five reasons you should recycle your empties with Containers for Change.
It's good for the environment
Every time you recycle your containers for a 10-cent refund through one of our refund points, you’re helping keep recyclable materials out of landfill.
Most importantly, you’re helping keep our great state of Queensland beautiful and clean.
Products get a new life in the circular economy
Once you recycle your containers through a refund point, they are sorted into material types then taken to a processor to be prepared for auction to be sold onto an accredited recycler.
Then comes the exciting part where plastic bottles, glass bottles, aluminium cans, liquid paperboard (poppers) and steel cans can be used again and again and turned into something new – creating a circular economy.
You can read more about what containers get turned into here.
Creating opportunities for Queenslanders
The Containers for Change program has not only created over 935 jobs in Queensland, but it’s also enabled social enterprise groups to create opportunities for vulnerable Queenslanders.
Social enterprise groups like Substation33 are turning waste into employment opportunities. They have expanded their electronic waste recycling initiative to include container sorting from our Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) and have created opportunities for disenfranchised and long-term unemployed people to build skills and confidence to prepare them for employment.
Hear more about the Substation33 story here.
Donate to a cause
Everyone has different motivations why they recycle and if yours is to get a bit of money back in your pocket, there’s no judgement here!
Not motivated by the 10-cent refund but still like to recycle your empties. Did you know you can donate your refund to a cause or charity you care about?
There are more than 7500 charities and community groups registered with a Containers for Change member number who you can gift your container refund to.
Visit the Donate page on our website to find out more about how you can support a cause close to your heart.
Doing it for the kids
If your kids are looking for a way to earn a bit of extra pocket money, collecting containers is a great way to educate about protecting the environment as well as earning a buck.
We’ve heard of kids saving up for something small like an ice cream treat all the way up to kids who have saved for a guitar and even a puppy through container collecting.
With over 330 return points across Queensland, find your local on our Where to Return page.
Psst… if the kids have already exhausted all the usual resources in collecting containers, here’s some other ways they can explore to collect even more containers.
WHAT IS CONTAINERS FOR CHANGE?
Getting started is as easy as 1, 2, 3
When you recycle with Containers for Change, you get a 10-cent refund for every eligible container you return.
Get started with a member number
A member number is a great way to track the change you’re making.
