5 ways to cash in your containers
So, you've been busy collecting your empty bottles and cans to recycle and now you're ready to cash them in for a 10 cent refund. Nice one!
If you're not sure which return method is right for you, we've put together this handy guide to help you find your perfect match.
Depots
If you have lots of containers or would like a helping hand when cashing in, a depot could be best for you.
Depots are manned by staff who can help count your containers on the spot. And some offer a drive-through option, meaning you don’t even have to get out of your car. Talk about easy!
Receive your refund as cash or, if you have a member number, it can be deposited to your bank account, PayPal or donated to a charity or community group close to your heart.
Make sure to check your depot’s opening hours before you visit.
Bag drops
Don’t have time to wait around? Designed for convenience, bag drops offer a quick, contact-free way to cash in on the go – with no queues and no chit-chat.
You’ll need to sign up for a member number to use a bag drop, then simply follow the three golden rules:
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Bag it – place your containers in a sturdy bag to keep them secure.
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Tag it – clearly label each bag with your member number.
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Drop it – leave your containers at your local bag drop at a time that’s convenient for you.
Because bag drops are often only serviced a few times a week, it might take slightly longer to receive your refund. If you’re in a hurry for your cash, you might want to pick a different return option.
Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs)
If you have a small number of containers to cash in, a Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) could be the way to go.
Simply feed your containers into the machine and it’ll count them by scanning the barcodes. You can choose to receive your refund through your member number or select 'retail voucher' to get money off your grocery shop.
Just make sure your containers are uncrushed as RVMs can find it hard to read the barcodes. If you’re a crusher, we suggest you choose a different way to return.
Pop-ups
Pop-ups are temporary refund points run by local operators, meeting at a set time and location every week, fortnight or month. How they look might vary – it could be as simple as an operator, table and tent.
Your containers might be counted on the spot or they could be taken back to the depot for counting. You can use your member number to get your refund and some pop-ups offer cash too.
Pop-ups are temporary, so remember to double check the opening hours on our website before you visit.
Home collection
We get it – sometimes life’s just too busy and there’s no time to get to a refund point. Our home collection service, Container Collect, is here to help.
The free service is available in selected Queensland suburbs and allows you to cash in your containers from the comfort of your own home.
All you need is a member number then simply select a pick-up date using our app or online booking form.
We’ll collect directly from your home and your refund will be paid into your bank account, PayPal or you can donate it to a good cause.
Read our top three tips for making a Container Collect booking.
Still not sure which type of refund point to cash in with? Take our quick quiz or find a refund point near you.
Find a container refund point near you
Get started on your container collection journey by finding your closest refund point.
Find a cause to donate to
Donate to your local charity, community group or school by quoting their member number at the refund point.