Containers for Change

What Containers for Change does

Containers for Change is a government-mandated container deposit refund scheme (CDRS) operating in Queensland (launched November 2018) and Western Australia (launched October 2020), run by two state-appointed non-profit operators — Container Exchange (QLD) Limited (COEX) in QLD and WA Return Recycle Renew Ltd (WARRRL) in WA — under the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011 (Qld) and Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Act 2007 (WA). Consumers return eligible drink containers (150ml-3L bearing the 10-cent mark) through a network of 400+ refund points in QLD and 260+ in WA, including depots, self-serve kiosks, Container Exchange Points, and home/workplace collection services, in exchange for a 10-cent refund or donation to a registered cause.

The technical platform comprises a Member Number account system that tracks returns and routes digital refunds via bank transfer or PayPal, a consumer-facing mobile app (iOS and Android) with a barcode-based Container Eligibility Scanner, refund-point locator, and Drop & Go tracking, and a backend that integrates with TOMRA reverse vending machines and independent depot operators. QLD-specific gamification includes the Bincoin loyalty currency and promotional competitions. The B2B layer is supported by a Partner Program portal serving businesses, schools, healthcare, events, and government bodies.

Revenue is generated through container-deposit processing fees charged to beverage manufacturers who are statutorily required to participate, with operating economics structured as cost-recovery for the two non-profit coordinators. Consumer participation is free, and the dominant monetisation pathway for end users is donating refunds to one of 9,000+ (QLD) or 4,000+ (WA) registered charities, schools, and community groups, embedding the scheme deeply in community fundraising across both states.

Name

Containers for Change

Legal name

WA Return Recycle Renew Ltd

Website

https://containersforchange.com.au

Company type

Private

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Containers for Change is a government-mandated container deposit refund scheme operating in Queensland and Western Australia, run by two state-appointed non-profit operators. Consumers return eligible drink containers at more than 660 refund points for a 10-cent refund, often donated to one of 13,000+ registered charities and schools.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Recycling Services

NAICS

Materials Recovery Facilities (562920), Materials Recovery Facilities (56292), Waste Management and Remediation Services (562)

SIC

Miscellaneous Plastics Products (3080)

akta.pro primary industry

Reusable Packaging & Refill Systems (Returnable Transport Items, Deposit/DRS Ops) (EUAIANAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Recycling Transfer & Consolidation (Single-Stream, Dual-Stream, Source-Separated) (EUAIABAC), Reusable Packaging & Container Return Programs (On-site) (BPABALAJ), Dual-Stream MRFs (Fiber/Container Split) (EUAIADAB)

Keywords

• Container deposit scheme
• Beverage container recycling
• Refund recycling services
• Community fundraising recycling
• Waste recovery infrastructure

Headquarters

HQ city

North Sydney

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Container Deposit Refund Processing: The scheme is funded by beverage manufacturers who pay a deposit on each container, consumers receive 10 cents back upon return. Containers for Change (operated by COEX in QLD and WA Return Recycle Renew Ltd in WA) coordinates the scheme, operating as a non-for-profit. Revenue is generated through processing fees from manufacturers and government-mandated scheme participation.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Containers for Change is a government-mandated container deposit refund scheme operating in Queensland and Western Australia. Consumers return eligible drink containers (150ml to 3L bearing the 10-cent mark) to a network of more than 660 refund points and depots, receiving a 10-cent refund per container via cash, bank transfer, PayPal, grocery voucher, or donation to a registered charity, school, or community group. Supporting infrastructure includes a mobile app with member number, container eligibility scanner, refund point locator, and home-collection booking, plus TOMRA reverse vending machines at high-volume sites.

Product overview

Containers for Change is a dual-state container deposit scheme operating in Queensland (since November 2018) and Western Australia (since October 2020). The core offering is the Containers for Change Scheme, a platform that enables consumers to return eligible drink containers (150ml to 3L) for a 10-cent refund through a network of refund points, depots, and collection services. The platform is supported by the Member Number account system, the Containers for Change mobile App (with Lite version), and complementary services including Container Collect (QLD) and the Collect Service (WA) for home pickups. Additional modules include Donation Points for fundraising groups, Container Exchange Points (CEPs) and Self-serve Kiosks for automated returns, and the Causes Directory for charity partnerships. In Queensland, the proprietary Bincoin currency represents container value. The B2B Partner Program extends the platform to businesses, schools, and charities seeking sustainability and fundraising solutions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Containers for Change Scheme Government-mandated container deposit refund scheme allowing consumers to return eligible drink containers (150ml to 3L bearing the 10-cent mark) for a 10-cent refund, redeemable as cash, bank transfer, PayPal, grocery voucher, or donation to a registered cause. Operates across QLD and WA through 660+ refund points.
• Containers for Change Mobile App Consumer mobile app (iOS/Android) with member number barcode, refund point locator map, return history tracker, container eligibility scanner, home collection booking (Container Collect), Drop & Go return tracking (WA), and gamified features (e.g., CFC Wrapped). A Lite version is available without account signup.
• Container Collect / Collect Service (Home Collection) Bookable home/workplace collection service - Container Collect in QLD and the Collect service in WA pick up saved eligible containers from residences, schools, restaurants, bars, cafes, workplaces, and events, with refunds credited to the customer's member number account.
• Partner Program (B2B) B2B platform enabling businesses, schools, charities, events, government and healthcare organisations to set up on-site container collection infrastructure, with refunds routed to the partner's member number or a chosen cause. Includes a dedicated partner enquiry portal.
• Wine and Spirit Bottle Eligibility (Scheme Expansion) 2025 scheme expansion that added glass wine and spirit bottles (150ml to 3L) as eligible containers, increasing the volume of accepted glass containers across all refund points.

Quantifiable outcome

• 12.2 billion containers returned through QLD refund points since the scheme began (as at 4 June 2026)
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers15 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• RSPCA QueenslandcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024Containers for Change partnered with RSPCA Queensland in 2024. Green Containers for Change bins are placed across RSPCA Queensland's Wacol premises including the Adoption Centre, Black Cat Café, and near the onsite op shop. The 10-cent refund from every container deposited is channelled directly to RSPCA Queensland as a fundraising donation. The scheme estimates 11 containers help feed one koala, 15 containers provide for a guinea pig, and 25 containers help feed a puppy for a day.
• Sea World FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Sea World Foundation and Containers for Change announced a partnership aimed at tackling ocean pollution and promoting recycling efforts across Queensland. The partnership focuses on environmental conservation aligned with the scheme's mission to keep containers out of landfill and waterways.
• OzHarvest QueenslandcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerOzHarvest Queensland has delivered 200,000 meals to Queenslanders in need, funded entirely by container donations through Containers for Change. The partnership enables individuals to donate their container refunds directly to OzHarvest, turning recycling into food security outcomes.
• Gympie Music MusterminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAt the 2025 Gympie Music Muster, more than 374,000 drink containers were returned through Containers for Change bins, setting a new record for the most containers ever collected at a Queensland event. $37,400 was donated through the scheme at the event.
• Queensland Country Bank Stadium / Stadiums QueenslandminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAt an NRL double-header at Townsville's Queensland Country Bank Stadium (home of the North Queensland Cowboys), fans recycled over one million drink containers through Containers for Change. The stadium partnership demonstrates large-scale venue-based collection.
• Pacific Fair Shopping CentreminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPacific Fair Shopping Centre on the Gold Coast partnered with local charity 10 Cent Tom to collect eligible containers consumed at the centre. In just three months (as of February 2025), they saved more than 100,000 bottles and cans from landfill.
• Woodford Folk FestivalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWoodford Folk Festival 2025–26 reached a record-breaking sustainability milestone, saving more than 120,000 drink containers from landfill through Containers for Change.
• Brisbane Lions AFL ClubminorGTM or Marketing PartnerContainers for Change ran a Lions Premiership Lounge Ticket Giveaway promotion, offering 2 x Premiership Lounge tickets to the Brisbane Lions' final home game of the 2025 season. New members who returned at least 50 eligible containers during the promotional period were eligible to enter.
• Little WingsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLittle Wings provides free flights for seriously ill children. Containers for Change featured a QLD vs NSW state competition to raise funds for Little Wings through container donations, showcasing cross-state community engagement.
• Far North Queensland Hospital FoundationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCairns Hospital partnered with Containers for Change and the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation to support both health outcomes and environmental sustainability. The partnership places Containers for Change collection infrastructure at the hospital.
• Rosies – Friends on the StreetcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSince 2021, The Exchange Shed Jimboomba depot has partnered with Rosies – Friends on the Street, an organisation supporting people experiencing homelessness, isolation, or disadvantage across South East Queensland. The depot donates an average of $20,000 per year to Rosies, funds initiatives such as the annual Long Lunch fundraiser, and each month organises a large food shop distributed through Rosies' outreach vans.
• Gkuthaarn and Kukatj Aboriginal Corporation (GKAC)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerThe Gulf of Carpentaria Containers for Change service passed to the Gkuthaarn and Kukatj Aboriginal Corporation (GKAC), keeping the Normanton depot service in local hands and under Traditional Owner leadership.
• WA Scouts Recycling (Malaga Depot)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWA Scouts Recycling at the Malaga depot partnered with community groups like All Tracks 4WD Club to provide collection infrastructure (wheelie bins) for events and ongoing container collection. The depot handles sorting and deposits funds directly into charity accounts.
• IMPACT Community ServicescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIMPACT Community Services is an NDIS provider managing a Material Recovery Facility and two Containers for Change refund points in Bundaberg, including the state's only solely solar-powered refund point in Qunaba. IMPACT provides employment for people with disabilities through the scheme.
• TOMRA Collection PTS (Reverse Vending Machines)coreTechnology or IntegrationTOMRA provides reverse vending machines (RVMs) at Containers for Change refund points, including at TOMRA's Crestmead depot where Linkin returned the 200 millionth container for Logan. RVMs automate container counting and refund processing.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Return and Earn (NSW): NSW's container deposit scheme operated by TOMRA Collections, directly comparable as another Australian state-mandated DRS with a 10¢ refund. Operates in the same regulatory and operational category as Containers for Change, serving NSW consumers and charities via refund points and RVMs.
• Container Deposit Scheme Victoria (VicReturn): Victoria's container deposit scheme, operated by VicReturn under state legislation. Directly comparable to Containers for Change in mandate, refund-point operating model, and charity fundraising integration; serves the second-largest Australian state by population.
• SA Container Deposit Scheme: South Australia's container deposit scheme operating with the same 10¢ refund model under state legislation. Comparable to Containers for Change in structure, consumer experience, and depot network model.
• Return-It (British Columbia, Canada): BC's provincially-mandated DRS operator offering deposit refunds on beverage containers. Highly comparable to Containers for Change in mandate, depot/refund-point network, app-based tracking, and partnership with charities/communities.
• RecycleBC: BC's extended producer-responsibility organisation managing residential packaging and paper recycling. Comparable as a producer-funded, government-endorsed stewardship scheme operating depots and coordinating material recovery across a Canadian province.

Broad incumbents

• TOMRA: Global leader in reverse vending machines and a key technology partner to Containers for Change (and operator of NSW's Return and Earn). Comparable as a critical infrastructure provider to the DRS industry, with much broader scope across waste and resource recovery.
• Cleanaway Waste Management: Australia's largest waste management company operating collection, transfer, and material recovery infrastructure. Comparable in the broader Australian recycling ecosystem and intersects with Containers for Change via downstream material processing.
• Veolia Australia and New Zealand: Global environmental services company with significant Australian waste management and materials recovery operations. Comparable as a large incumbent in the broader recycling and circular-economy services space where Containers for Change operates.

Emerging players

• Replas: Australian company that converts recycled plastics (including recovered containers) into recycled-plastic products. Tangentially comparable as a downstream consumer of beverage-container recyclate collected via DRS networks like Containers for Change.
• Karma: Sweden-based digital reusable packaging and food-waste reduction platform. Comparable thematically as an emerging circular-economy and reusable-packaging player addressing beverage/food container waste, though operating in a different model and geography.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCoTZD-hzpsN7eLjukzChXVA
• Facebookfacebook.com/4ChangeQLD
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/containers-for-change-qld
• Instagraminstagram.com/4changeqld
• TikToktiktok.com/@4changeqld
• Xx.com/4changeqld

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Containers for Change