Make the most of your Depot visit
Tagged as: return, depot, member number, refunds, refund points, cash-refunds
What you'll find on this article:
- What is a Containers for Change depot?
- Before you visit a depot
- Depots or “large” facilities
- Depots with Drop & Go services
- Self-serve Depots
- Pop-up Depots
- Where to find depots
What is a Containers for Change depot?
A depot is a container-counting facility where you can return your 10¢ containers. Take your collected containers and, after they have been counted, you will receive corresponding refund amount.
Depots are spread all across WA and come in different types, offering different return facilities. Some are in permanent locations, in a large warehouse-like infrastructure with staff. Others are temporary pop-ups, appearing as stalls in markets or public venues, and are run by community groups, charities or even schools.
Depots are important parts of our logistic infrastructure. They oversee the receiving and counting of containers, and they manage refunds for collectors. In addition, they sort all containers by type and deliver them to a recycling facility. Find out more on how containers are reinvented.
Before you visit a depot
You first step is to find a depot near you that suits your container return needs and, most important, your schedule. You can easily find depots near you by searching our handy map of return locations.
Depots can differ in the way your returns are processed, so it’s important to check before you visit. Some will count your 10¢ containers for you, while others offer a self-serve option. Sometimes a pop-up depot will be established at convenient community location near you, and some depots may also offer drive-through or Drop & Go services. So, find the kind of depot and services that suit you best, in the location that’s best – before you go.
Remember too that all depots have their own operating times and schedules during the week. Make sure to check their opening hours before traveling there.
Depots can offer your refund as cash, a bank transfer or PayPal account payment, a grocery voucher, or as a donation to a good cause.
Remember that direct payments to a bank or PayPal account can only be made through a member number. Sign up for a member number and make your returns smoother.
Depots or “large” facilities
Many depots are 10¢ container-counting facilities running in large warehouses. These are usually staffed by operators who count your containers for you, and then process your refund.
The best way to prepare your containers for return at a depot is to bag them and attach your member number (if you have one) to your bag.
Depots are great for returning large numbers of containers that you can deliver in your car. This is because most also offer a drive-through option – you drive in, queue with your car and, when your turn comes, you simply hand over your containers to the staff for counting.
Staff will ask you to provide your member number (if you have one) to process your refund. They will manage the deposit of your refund directly into your bank or Paypal account, donate it according to your wishes, or give it to you in cash, depending on the payment preferences you have set in your member number account. Remember to tag your bags with your member number, or have it handy – for example, by downloading it to your smartphone wallet.
If you don’t have a member number, you can still return your containers at a depot and receive your refund in cash or a grocery voucher for them.
Depots are independently run by a range of operators, from not-for-profits and local families to large businesses. Search for your local depot, check their services offered, their opening hours, and their refund payment methods. You can find all the information in our map.
Depots with Drop & Go services
Some depots offer Drop & Go services that don’t require interaction with staff. You’ll simply need to bring your 10¢ containers already bagged and tagged with your member number, and drop them at a designated bin.
Drop & Go depots are a convenient option for returning containers, especially after-hours. However, many still have opening schedules, so check on the opening hours of your nearest Drop & Go station before visiting.
This way of returning requires that you have a member number with a direct payment method set in your account for receiving refunds. Accepted payment methods are bank transfer, PayPal account deposit or donation to a selected cause. Cash and grocery voucher refunds are not available with Drop & Go services.
Self-serve Depots
Self-serve depots are container return locations equipped with self-checkout facilities or Self-serve Kiosks. As a return option, they’re a great choice if you’re looking for a contact-free experience. However, it’s good to know that at some Self-serve Depots, staff are available if you require assistance.
The Self-serve Kiosks in these depots are simple to use and can count and sort 10¢ containers for you. Some kiosks will require you to return container types separately by sorting glass from cans.
Your refunds will be processed via operating a touchscreen in the kiosk, using a member number for your bank or Paypal account transfer, or for a donation. If you do not have a member number, you’ll receive your refund as a grocery voucher.
Like other depots, self-serve ones are subject to opening hours. Check with your local depot before your next visit.
To learn how to follow the easy steps for using self-serve checkouts or kiosks at these depots, read our article “How to use a Self-serve Kiosk”.
Pop-up Depots
Pop-up Depots are small, refund point facilities that you’ll normally find in busy community locations such as parks, schools, churches, sport clubs or community centres. Some are even temporary, appearing as stalls in markets or at community events. These depots are staffed, so you can bring your 10¢ containers and they will count them for you, on the spot, and provide your refund.
Some of these locations offer a Drop & Go option for convenience when you’re on the move.
Usually, Pop-up Depots offer cash, bank or Paypal account transfers, grocery vouchers and donations as refund options. However, always check with the refund point to ensure they can provide your preferred refund option. Remember that for bank and Paypal account transfers and donations as refunds, you will need a member number.
Keep an eye on their opening hours, as Pop-up Depots are usually only open on specific days of the week.
Where to find depots
We partner with a large network of depot operators across Western Australia, so you can always find one close to you. With the refund points map on our website, you can easily locate all refund points near you and check on the kind of services they offer and their opening hours.
For even more convenience, download our app and quickly locate refund points when you’re on the go.
You might be also interested in these articles:
How to use your member number on return
Setting preferred payments in your member number account