Queenslanders returned more than 50 million eligible drink containers in a single week in December, setting a new record for the state’s container refund scheme, according to Container Exchange.
Between 15 and 21 December 2025, more than 50.1 million containers were returned through Containers for Change, marking the highest weekly total since the scheme began.
It noted that the result surpassed the previous record of 48.3 million containers, which was set between 6 and 12 January 2025.
Container Exchange said the latest figure translated into $5.1 million in 10-cent refunds paid back to Queenslanders, including households and community groups using the scheme for fundraising.
The organisation described the milestone as part of a broader trend of strong participation throughout the year.
Across 2025, Queenslanders returned more than 1.92 billion containers through more than 400 approved container refund points statewide. In total, more than $192 million was paid out in refunds during the year, with Container Exchange noting the environmental benefit of diverting containers from landfill.
Container Exchange reported that overall container returns in 2025 were 3.6 per cent higher than in 2024, indicating continued growth in participation as awareness and access to the scheme expanded.
Trevor Evans, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Container Exchange, said the record weekly result reflected growing engagement with container recycling across the state.
“Queenslanders’ commitment to container recycling has reached new heights,” Evans said. “Hitting 50 million containers in a single week is an incredible milestone that shows just how much Queenslanders value protecting our environment and supporting their communities.”
Evans said the organisation viewed the result as a positive indicator for the future of the scheme. “We look forward to building on this achievement and delivering even more environmental, social and economic benefits for the future of our state,” he said.
Container Exchange operates Containers for Change as a not-for-profit organisation. The scheme provides a 10-cent refund for eligible beverage containers returned at approved points across Queensland.
Further information on how to participate is available through the Containers for Change website.
