Qld container refund scheme falls short of target

The Queensland Government has announced a parliamentary inquiry into the state's Container Refund Scheme to boost recycling rates and put more refunds in Queenslanders' pockets. 

The scheme, administered by Container Exchange, has a legislated target return rate of 85% but, despite more Queenslanders returning their eligible items, the return rate has continually fallen short of that target. 

COEX's 2023–24 annual report reveals an annual recovery rate of 67.4%, and the recovery rate for the first two quarters of this financial year is 62.7% — around 20% shy of legislated targets. 

Minister for the Environment and Tourism and Minister for Science and Innovation Andrew Powell said the inquiry would help identify how the program could be improved to put more refunds in Queenslanders' pockets.

"The Crisafulli government is committed to boosting recycling through Containers for Change, saving recyclables from landfill and delivering more refunds to Queenslanders," Powell said. "We need to understand why the program has fallen short of its targets under the former government and how it can be improved to deliver more benefits for Queenslanders."

The inquiry will examine the current state and operation of the scheme, its efficiency and its effectiveness in delivering on its legislative objects. It will also assess deposit location coverage, to help increase Queenslanders' access. 

Queenslanders will be invited to share their input into how they can improve the scheme. The Parliamentary Committee will deliver a full report by August 2025.

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