The board of Queensland’s not-for-profit container management organisation, Container Exchange (COEX), has appointed Trevor Evans as interim chief executive officer, as Natalie Roach’s three-year term comes to an end.
Queensland’s container deposit scheme (CDS), Containers for Change, is fully funded by beverage manufacturers. COEX was appointed by the state government to manage and grow the program. More than 11 billion containers have been returned to refund points since November 2018, giving back $1.1 billion in 10-cent refunds to locals.
Although the organisation describes Containers for Change as one of Australia’s most successful recycling systems, there were some concerns raised last year.
In February 2025 a parliamentary inquiry was launched into the CDS, due to its failure to meet legislated recovery targets.
When the report was tabled on 16 October, committee chair Rob Molhoek said submissions had included details of bullying, harassment, and intimidation by COEX staff across multiple sites. Issues of alleged conflicts of interest, with two members of the board working at CCEP and Lion, and unfair contracts were also raised.
The government was given three months to respond to the report’s recommendations, requesting further time to consider “given the significance and complexity of the Committee’s recommendations”. A more detailed response will be provided by 16 April.
COEX also undertook a scheme pricing framework review in June 2025, aiming to make participation in the recycling program easier for beverage manufacturers and boost the circular economy.
Evans will now lead the organisation with support from the COEX board until a permanent appointment is made later this year.
He brings significant leadership experience, having served as the federal member for Brisbane for six years, and becoming Australia’s first dedicated minister responsible for recycling, waste and sustainability during that term. Evans was also previously CEO of the National Retail Association.
“Sustainability has always been close to my heart, and I’m looking forward to continuing that focus here at COEX,” he said.
