Post-party clean-ups could give Queenslanders a little extra cash, the state’s Environment Minister has reminded residents.
The Containers For Change program has expanded the list of empty drink containers for which it provides a 10c refund.
“Last year, Queenslanders who participated in Containers For Change received on average $200 in refunds,” acting Environment Minister Grace Grace said.
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Since the recycling scheme launched in 2018, 7.4 billion containers have been returned and $740 million has been paid out.
“The festive season gives a great opportunity to take advantage of these refunds,” Grace said, urging people to “cash in”.
Container For Change CEO Natalie Roach said: “As Queenslanders clean up after festive season parties and set their New Year’s resolutions, we are encouraging them to make positive change with their empties.
“On average, Queenslanders returned more than 5 million containers a day in January 2023 and we want to see this return rate well and truly surpassed in 2024.”
Glass wine bottles and spirit bottles can also now be thrown into the mix, following an expansion of the scheme in November 2023 which also boosted the number of return sites to 360.
“Our decision to include glass wine and pure spirit bottles followed an extensive consultation period, during which more than 6,600 Queenslanders shared their thoughts about including additional containers in the refund program,” Grace said.
The return options are not limited to drive-through depots, with 24-hour bag drops, reverse vending machine kiosks and mobile services also available.
Free home collection services also operate in much of the state. See if your suburb is eligible here.