The Crisafulli Government has announced a Parliamentary Inquiry into Queensland’s Container Refund Scheme, aiming to boost recycling rates and return more refunds to residents.
Despite an increase in the number of Queenslanders participating in the scheme, the program has consistently failed to meet its legislated target return rate of 85%. The scheme, administered by Container Exchange (COEX), recorded a recovery rate of 67.4% in its 2023-24 annual report, with the first two quarters of the current financial year showing a further decline to 62.7%.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism, Andrew Powell, said the Inquiry would assess how the program can be improved to better serve Queenslanders.
“The Crisafulli Government is committed to boosting recycling through Containers for Change, saving recyclables from landfill, and delivering more refunds to Queenslanders,” Mr Powell said.
“We promised a fresh start for Queensland, and that includes getting Containers for Change back on track so more people can benefit.”
Powell also criticised the previous Labor Government for failing to review the program despite the declining recovery rates, accusing them of prioritising rhetoric over tangible environmental outcomes.
“Unlike Labor, which was more focused on environmental platitudes than environmental outcomes, the Crisafulli Government is focused on delivering for Queenslanders,” he said.
The Inquiry will examine the efficiency and effectiveness of the scheme, as well as the accessibility of deposit locations to ensure more Queenslanders can participate. The government is also inviting public feedback on potential improvements.
Since its inception in 2017, the scheme has not undergone a comprehensive review. The Parliamentary Committee will now investigate its current operation and determine how it can meet its legislative objectives more effectively.
“The Inquiry will assess deposit location coverage to improve accessibility and ensure the program is working for everyone,” Mr Powell said.
Queenslanders are encouraged to have their say on the scheme as part of the review process. The Parliamentary Committee will deliver its findings in a report due by August 2025.
