Bottle and can deposits reap millions and billions

Queenslanders have reaped the benefits of an $800 million windfall by participating in the state’s bottle and can return scheme, which has seen billions of items recycled. This initiative, offering a 10-cent refund per returned item, expanded its scope in late 2023 to encompass glass wine and spirit bottles, marking a pioneering move in Australia. Environment Minister Leanne Linard highlighted that since its 2018 launch, the scheme has processed eight billion drink containers, with January witnessing an all-time high of nearly 176 million returns. The inclusion of glass bottles has spurred a notable 13.5% uptick in their return rates. The collective efforts have not only lined the pockets of Queenslanders with $800 million in refunds but also funnelled approximately $12 million towards charitable causes and community groups. Linard underscored the environmental impact, equating the eight billion containers to 400,000 tonnes of diverted waste, enough to circle the earth 35 times at the equator. She expressed eagerness to further enhance the recycling rates through innovative strategies. Natalie Roach, CEO of Container Exchange, echoed the scheme’s monumental success in curbing litter and landfill waste, especially following the inclusion of glass wine and spirit bottles, which has led to record-breaking return volumes over the recent summer.