- Online survey closes at 5pm Monday 20 February 2023
- Almost 4800 Queenslanders have already had their say
- 6 billion containers have been cashed in since 2018
Queenslander's have less than a week to have their say on whether the hugely popular Containers for Change program should expand to include glass wine and spirit bottles, and larger juice and flavoured milk containers.
Almost 4800 Queenslanders have already filled out the online survey, providing their thoughts on expanding the scheme.
The program currently accepts most aluminium, glass, plastic and steel beverage containers between 150ml and 3L, but could expand to capture glass wine and spirit bottles.
The community consultation is also exploring increasing the size limit for flavoured milk, vegetable, fruit juice, water and wine cartons to 3 litres.
A discussion paper has been released for community consultation and industry is also encouraged to provide feedback.
Quotes attributable to Minister Meaghan Scanlon:
"Since the scheme was introduced in 2018, six billion containers have been recycled through more than 360 container refund points across the state, putting about $600 million back into the pockets of Queenslanders, schools and charity groups," Minister Scanlon said.
"Before the containers for change program, only 18 per cent of beverage containers were recycled. That number has now grown to around 63 per cent.
"Making more containers eligible for a refund will make it easier to recycle, particularly in regional and remote communities, and will help grow Queensland's booming recycling industry.
"But we want to make sure that any decision to expand the scheme is backed by the community, so that's why we want as many Queenslanders as possible to have their say."
