Queensland Containers for Change program to expand

The Australian Council of Recycling (ACOR) has welcomed the Queensland Government’s review of the Containers for Change program, aimed at expanding eligible containers to include glass wine and spirit bottles.

“The Queensland Containers for Change program has significantly ramped up the volume of quality material collected for recycling, supporting investment in onshore processing and boosting our local circular economy for beverage containers,” said Suzanne Toumbourou, ACOR CEO.

As a body for resource recovery, recycling and remanufacturing in Australia, ACOR is supportive of programs that help to recover more materials from waste and litter streams, creating pathways for good environmental outcomes and jobs while supporting industry confidence.

“The proposed expansion of Containers for Change to include glass wine and spirit bottles will further improve resource recovery rates, increase access to recyclable materials and create more opportunities for individuals and community groups to be rewarded for their recycling efforts,” Toumbourou said.

“We commend the Queensland Government for actively consulting with the community, asking what they want to see included in the Containers for Change program. As the home to some of our most iconic beaches and rainforests, this expansion will mean fewer bottles winding up in their waterways and in landfill,” Toumbourou said.

“It is great to see a growing number of states across Australia gearing up to expand their existing and planned container deposit schemes in a harmonised approach, which will reduce costs for industry and drive greater circular economy outcomes,” Toumbourou said.

Prior to the introduction of the program, 18% of beverage containers were recovered and recycled in Queensland. In 2022, this rate has risen to 65%.

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