Queensland's New Container Refund Scheme Has Recycled More Than 102 Million Items

It has been just two months since Queensland launched its Containers for Change refund scheme, and the move is already having an impact. As well as recycling a hefty amount of aluminium, glass, plastic and steel items, the regime has also paid out a sizeable sum to eco-conscious Queenslanders.

Focused on empty drink containers, the CRS has received more than 102 million items since launching on November 1. That's 102 million water bottles, beer cans, juice containers and more that aren't sitting in landfill or headed to our waterways.

More than 70,000 Queenslanders have done their part, according to the state government, and they've been well compensated for it. So far, the scheme has paid more than $10 million to participants. Money is a great motivator, obviously, even ten cents per eligible vessel.

In the first ten months of 2018, nearly three billion beverage containers were used by Queenslanders — so while returning 102 million in November and December represents a mere fraction of the recyclable containers in use across the period, it's definitely a promising start.

More collection and refund points are set to be added in 2019, increasing from the 230-plus available when the CRS launched.

For more information, visit the Containers for Change website — or check out our how-to guide.