A new Containers for Change refund point has launched in Brisbane just in time for the scheme’s expansion to include all glass wine and pure spirit bottles, which will begin on 1 November.
Under the new service, customers will be able to drop off their containers in the drive-through in Windsor and have them counted by staff without having to leave their vehicle. A bag drop service will also be available on-site for those not able to wait, the Queensland government said in a media release.
The new facility is expected to support six jobs in the local community and will add to more than 360 refund points already in operation across Queensland.
Beginning on Wednesday, all refund points across Queensland will accept glass wine and pure spirit bottles in exchange for 10-cent refunds.
“The opening of this new container refund point in Windsor and the nation-leading inclusion of glass wine and pure spirit bottles from Wednesday demonstrates that the Palaszczuk Government’s popular container refund scheme continues to go from strength to strength,” said Minister for Environment Leann Linard.
“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.”
The Containers for Change scheme celebrates its fifth anniversary on 1 November.
Since its inception, more than 7.1 billion containers have been returned to refund points across Queensland. In 2023 alone, a record 1.23 billion containers have been deposited at refund points.
The Queensland government has worked closely with Container Exchange to manage the Containers for Change program and ensure industry and facilities are ready for the change.
“The Department of Environment and Science and Container Exchange have been actively engaging with wine manufacturers to help them prepare for the expansion. In recent weeks, I have also met with representatives from peak bodies representing wine and spirit producers and I thank them for their cooperation in implementing this important initiative,” Linard added.
For more information about Containers for Change, visit www.containersforchange.com.au/qld.
