The scheme collected more than 175.8 million containers this January. Credit: Nokwan007 via Shutterstock.

The Queensland state government’s Containers for Change scheme in Australia has achieved a new milestone, with eight billion drink containers reportedly returned since its inception in November 2018.  

Queensland Minister for Science and Innovation Leanne Linard and Container Exchange CEO Natalie Roach marked this achievement at the Community Co Recycling Depot in Windsor, Brisbane, Australia.

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The achievement has taken just six months after the seven billionth container was returned in September 2023.  

In January this year, the scheme set a record with more than 175.8 million containers collected, surpassing the previous record of 157.5 million in January 2023.

Queensland expanded the scheme last November to include glass wine and spirits bottles, leading to a 13.5% increase in glass bottle returns.  

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The development has not only helped reduce waste but also provided A$800m ($522.49m) in refunds to participants, including approximately A$12m to charities and community groups. 

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Linard said: “I am advised that eight billion containers equate to 400,000 tonnes of waste and if the containers were laid end to end, they would wrap around Earth’s equator 35 times. 

“This is a phenomenal amount of waste that has been diverted from landfill and instead recycled and reused thanks to our Containers for Change scheme. This is great news for our unique natural environment.” 

Last week, Wingecarribee Shire Council in New South Wales, Australia, announced the commencement of a soft plastics recycling trial at its Moss Vale Community Recycling Centre.