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Eligible Containers

Find out which drink containers can be returned for a 10¢ refund in Queensland

YES

eligibles

What you can return:

To receive a 10c refund under the Containers for Change Container Deposit Scheme (CDS), the containers must meet the following criteria:
• They must have a size range between 150mL to 3L
• They must be made of glass, PET, HDPE, aluminium, steel, or liquid paperboard (cartons)
• The containers must be empty and in a reasonably good condition.
 Examples of Eligible Containers:
  • Soft drink cans and bottles
  • Water bottles
  • Sports & energy drinks
  • Fruit juice poppers (under 1L)
  • Beer bottles and cans
  • Ready-to-drink coffee or alcohol mixers
  • Flavoured milk (under 1L only!)

NO

updatedineligibles

What you cannot return:

  • Plain milk containers

  • Cordial containers

  • Containers for concentrated fruit juice intended to be diluted

  • Health tonic containers

  • Containers less than 150 ml or over 3 L

  • Glass containers for wine or spirits

  • Containers for 1 L or more of flavoured milk

  • Containers for 1 L or more of 90% fruit juice

  • Casks or aseptic packs (1 L or more) for wine, water, or wine-based drinks

  • Sachets (250 ml or more) for wine

  • No food cans or jars

 

 

 

 

 

Still have questions?

  • If it’s between 150ml and 3 litres and made of aluminium, glass, plastic, or carton — you’re probably good to go! Think soft drink cans, water bottles, juice cartons, iced coffee bottles, beer stubbies and wine bottles… you get the idea.

  • Yes, some drink containers will not be eligible for return even if they have a 10c refund mark. The following are currently excluded from the Queensland scheme:

    • Containers smaller than 150ml (e.g. Yakult).
    • Containers larger than 3 litres.
    • Milk (over 1L)
    • Juice in containers over 1L
    • Some cordial bottles (due to certain plastics used).
    • Health tonics
    • Any container not properly labelled or damaged beyond recognition

  • Look for the “10c refund” mark — usually near the barcode.

  • Download the Containers for Change app and use the eligibility scanner to check the barcode.

  • Search the Containers for Change Product Registry online to confirm.

  • Empty completely — no leftover liquids or rubbish inside
  • Keep containers whole — broken or partial ones aren’t accepted.
  • Leave lids off — they’ll be recycled too, they just need to be separate from the bottle.
  • Labels can stay — they’re also recyclable.

You do not need to presort your containers based on materials. Our machines will do this for you.

Following these steps helps machines scan and process containers faster, reduces contamination, and ensures your container is counted for a refund. Poorly prepared containers may be rejected.

Eligibility is determined by Queensland legislation. Refunds apply to drink containers typically consumed away from home. The refund represents the deposit you paid at purchase.

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