- More than $22 million delivered to WA communities through container refunds
- 5.73 billion containers recycled since Containers for Change launched in 2020
- More eligible containers, more refunds, more recycling with scheme expansion
- Cook Labor Government committed to protecting the environment
Containers for Change is celebrating six years of delivering significant environmental, economic and community benefits across Western Australia.
Since launching in October 2020 under the State Labor Government, Western Australians have returned more than 5.73 billion containers, massively reducing the number of drink containers ending up in landfill and enabling valuable materials such as glass, aluminium, and plastic to be recovered and recycled into new products.
The scheme continues to empower thousands of community organisations to fund local projects and initiatives, turning everyday recycling into tangible support for causes that strengthen communities throughout the State.
Containers for Change has generated more than $22.26 million in donations for Western Australian community groups, charities, and schools, with organisations including Men’s Shed WA raising more than $1 million through the recycling scheme.
The Cook Labor Government successfully expanded Containers for Change on 1 July 2026, with almost all beverage containers between 150 millilitres and three litres now eligible for the 10-cent refund, including wine and spirit bottles. The expansion added around 200 million additional eligible containers to Western Australia’s container deposit scheme, making it easier than ever for people to participate.
Beyond its environmental benefits, Containers for Change supports hundreds of jobs across Western Australia, creating meaningful employment opportunities through social enterprises, Aboriginal organisations, regional operators, and businesses that employ people with a disability.
The program now operates through a network of 63 refund point operators across 316 sites statewide, providing convenient access for metropolitan, regional and remote communities. More than $70 million has been paid to social enterprises for processing eligible containers, showing Containers for Changes continues to provide meaningful employment across the State.
With billions of containers already recycled and the recent expansion of what is eligible, Containers for Change is rapidly progressing towards the major milestone of six billion containers returned. Reaching this landmark will mean even more waste diverted from landfill, more resources recovered for recycling, and more funds flowing back into Western Australian communities.
Containers for Change has become one of Western Australia’s most successful circular economy initiatives, delivering cleaner communities, stronger recycling outcomes, local jobs and millions of dollars in direct support for community organisations.
As stated by the Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn:
“Containers for Change has turned six and there’s plenty to celebrate.
“More than 5.73 billion containers have been returned since the initiative began, keeping valuable materials in circulation while delivering environmental, economic and social benefits across Western Australia.
“It’s also putting money back into people’s pockets and helping community groups raise funds for great local causes.
“Whether it’s a school buying new equipment, a sporting club supporting local programs or a charity raising funds, every container donated adds up to something valuable for the community.”
As stated by Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson:
“When I launched Containers for Change in 2020, the aim was to provide benefits for WA’s environment, create jobs and support local communities.
“Six years on, millions of dollars have flowed back to community organisations, schools and charities across the State.
“With refund points operating across regional Western Australia, more people than ever can take part in recycling and help keep valuable materials out of landfill.”
As stated by Disability Services Minister Hannah Beazley:
“Containers for Change proves that the benefits of sustainability go far beyond environmental outcomes.
“For many Western Australians with disability, the scheme is providing valuable employment opportunities, allowing them to gain skills, build confidence and play an active role in their communities.
“Donations from the scheme have also supported many organisations that aim to improve the quality of life for people with disability and empower them to live as they choose in communities where everyone belongs.
“It’s a great example of how a program that supports a cleaner environment can also create more inclusive workplaces and stronger communities.”
As stated by WA Return Recycle Renew LimitedCEO Dr Kate Brooks:
“WA Return Recycle Renew Limited has proudly co-ordinated Western Australia’s Container Deposit Scheme and the Containers for Change brand sinceits inception.
“We are proud of what has been achieved over the past six years, with outcomes extending well beyond litter reduction and increased recycling.
“Today, over one-third of Western Australia’s refund points are operated by social enterprises, creating employment opportunities for people who may otherwise face barriers to workwhile delivering lasting value for communities across the State.
“Our refund points are increasingly becoming important community hubs, connecting people, creatinglocal jobs and generatinggenuine social impact.”
