Container refunds collected through Queensland’s Containers for Change have contributed to 200,000 meals for people facing food insecurity, according to OzHarvest.
Since 2018, one million post-consumer containers have been donated to OzHarvest through the scheme by corporate supporters, community groups and individuals. The containers generated $100,000 in 10-cent refunds, supporting the organisation’s food rescue operations.
The scheme operates on a return rate where every 10 containers collected contributes to two meals, linking recycling activity with food redistribution.
Trevor Evans, interim CEO at Container Exchange (COEX), said the program connects recycling with community outcomes.
“Every container returned through Containers for Change is an opportunity to deliver positive environmental, social and economic outcomes for our state,” Evans said.
“OzHarvest’s impact is a brilliant way for Queenslanders to see exactly where their 10-cent refunds go when they choose to donate to an important cause.”
Michaela Windsor, Queensland state manager at OzHarvest, pointed to rising demand for food relief.
“Containers for Change is a great opportunity for collective action that leads up to big impacts,” Windsor said.
“I'm encouraging individuals, businesses, community groups, everyone, to collect their containers and donate the refunds to OzHarvest. It's a small but mighty way to nourish our country.”
Queenslanders can donate refunds to OzHarvest using a member number at more than 400 refund points across the state.
