Queensland · Brisbane
Container deposit in QLD: what you can return
In Queensland, Containers for Change has paid a 10 cent refund since November 2018 on most aluminium, glass, plastic, steel and liquid paperboard drink containers between 150 millilitres and 3 litres. Glass wine and pure spirit bottles were added on 1 November 2023. Plain milk containers are excluded. Empty each container and keep the barcode readable.
Sources Queensland Government: container refund typesContainers for Change Queensland: do you need to remove lids?Containers for Change Queensland: where to return
What do I do with drink containers in QLD?
- Check the mark Eligible containers carry the scheme's refund mark. If it is missing, check the scheme's eligibility list or app before you bin it.
- Empty it Every scheme wants the container empty. Lids, crushing and sorting rules differ by scheme, so read the state rules below before you bag them up.
- Bag them by type Most depots pay faster if aluminium, glass and plastic are separated.
Containers for Change has run in QLD since November 2018, paying 10c a container. Most aluminium, glass, plastic, steel and liquid paperboard drink containers from 150ml to 3L, run by Container Exchange. Glass wine and pure spirit bottles were added on 1 November 2023. Plain milk, cordial and vegetable juice containers are excluded, as are 1L-and-over flavoured milk, pure juice, cask wine and cask water containers. Refund points in South East Queensland accept containers with the lids on, and outside the south east lid rules vary by location. Check your refund point for lid and crushing rules before you go.
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Which containers can I return in Queensland?
Most aluminium, glass, plastic, steel and liquid paperboard beverage containers between 150 millilitres and 3 litres that carry a refund marking, plus glass wine and pure spirit bottles since 1 November 2023. Excluded: plain milk containers, cordial and vegetable juice containers, registered health tonics, and containers of 1 litre or more that held flavoured milk, pure juice, cask wine or cask water.
Do I need to take the lids off in Queensland?
It depends where you are. Containers for Change says refund points in South East Queensland can accept eligible containers with the lids on, and that outside South East Queensland lid requirements vary by location. Some depots still want the lids off. Check your own refund point before you strip a bag of lids, because the rule is set locally.
Can I crush containers before I return them?
Crushing rules are not published statewide, so ask the refund point you plan to use before you flatten a bag of cans. Refund points run as depots, reverse vending machines, bag drops and home collections, and each sets its own handling rules, which the scheme's locator lists alongside the location.
Where is my nearest Containers for Change refund point?
Queensland refund points run as depots, reverse vending machines, bag drops and home collection services, and the scheme's own locator at containersforchange.com.au/qld lists them. Check it before you travel, because locations and their lid and crushing rules change. Bagging aluminium, glass and plastic separately usually gets you through a depot faster.
Need it gone this week?
Compare council collection, recycling and pickup options on the skip bin hire page for Brisbane.