Containers for Change
The City of Perth is proud to support the State Government’s container deposit scheme, Containers for Change, and was the first CBD refund point in Australia.
Containers for Change enables the WA community to cash in eligible recyclable containers for 10-cents each.
Since opening the first refund point in the City in 2020, our team has processed more than 30 million containers and returned more than $3 million to the community.
- Increase recovery and recycling
- Reduce litter and landfill
- Provide opportunities for social enterprise and benefits for community organisations
- Create opportunities for employment
- Complement existing collection and recycling activities for recyclable waste.
Over the next 20 years, WA's Containers for Change container deposit scheme is estimated to result in:
The Containers for Change scheme provides a clear fundraising opportunity for schools, local sports clubs, community groups, charities and worthwhile causes; and the scheme has created hundreds of jobs across Western Australia.
FAQ
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Which containers are eligible for a refund?
The scheme targets beverage containers most commonly seen as litter. The types of beverage containers covered in the scheme include plastic and glass bottles, liquid paper-board cartons, and steel and aluminium cans between 150 millilitres and three litres. Examples of eligible/ineligible beverage containers in the scheme include:
Eligible items:
- Aluminium, steel, plastic, glass, liquid, paperboard
- From 150 ml to three litres
- Purchased in WA.
Ineligible items:
- Wine bottles
- Pure spirit bottles
- Milk bottles
- Cordial bottles.
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How can I donate containers to a community group or charity?
There are several options for donating your containers.
- Drop off your containers at a donation location.
- Donate to a charity or community group by using their member number at a refund point.
- Have your containers picked up by our collection service and set your payment preference to “donate” on your account.
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How do I become a donation point and fundraise for my community?
Containers for Change provides an exciting fundraising opportunity for school P&Cs, local sports clubs, community groups, charities and worthwhile causes.
How? It’s easy – you can be a donation location, or encourage your supporters to donate their refunds to your member number.
To become a donation point, you simply register for a member number at the Containers for Change website and set up a cage or refund point on-site where people can safely drop off their eligible containers.
You will also need to arrange for the containers to be delivered to a refund point – which you can do yourself, or partner with a refund point to do it for you. The refund point will also do all the sorting and counting for you and send your refund by electronic transfer directly to your specified bank account. This is a great set-up for organisations that have space for a cage.
The other type of donation point is a virtual donation point. As the name suggests, there’s no physical handling, storage or transport required by you – your supporters do all the work for you. You simply provide your supporters with your member number. They can return their containers to any refund point in the State, quote your member number and direct their refund payment to your organisation’s specified bank account.
Once you have decided on the type of donation point your organisation wants to be, all you need to do is register for your member number.
You can register today at the Containers for Change website.
Drop-off location
The City's approved Containers for Change refund points are designed to help residents process returns of all sizes - from a “quick drop and run” to counting large volumes of containers, and allowing customers to claim their refunds effortlessly, either in cash or electronically.
Container Refund Point - 8 Aberdeen Street, Perth
- Depot - Full service facility
- Drop and run, plus large volume processing
- Refunds available via cash and via member number
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday - 10am - 4pm
Saturday to Sunday - 10am - 1pm
Closed on Public Holidays
Reverse Vending Machine - 68A Roe Street Northbridge
- Refunds available via member number only
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday - 10am - 4pm
Saturday to Sunday - 10am - 1pm
Closed on Public Holidays
FAQ
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How does it work?
Step 1 Sign up for your own member number to receive your refund via a direct deposit
into your bank account by visiting www.containersforchange.com.au/wa.Step 2 Start collecting your eligible containers Step 3 Drop off your eligible containers to one of our drop off points Step 4 Cash in! -
Do lids need to be removed from beverage containers before taking them to a refund point?Yes, lids can be returned to your refund point, but you’ll need to remove them from the containers before you receive your refund.
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Can crushed or damaged containers be accepted?While some light crushing is permissible, the refund point must be able to identify the container as an eligible container. Reverse vending machines may require a barcode or intact shape to do this. If you are unsure, you should check with the refund point where you intend to return the containers.
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What happens to the containers redeemed at refund points?The containers redeemed at refund points are sorted into separate, individual waste streams and are sent for recycling into other materials and items including new aluminium cans, car parts and clothing (from plastic bottles).
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Can I bring my containers in reusable bags?Yes, If you are bringing reusable bags that you wish to get back just let our attendant know and we will tip the containers straight onto the counting bench, or into 240L bins and return your bags.
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Do I need to bring my own bags and labels at bag drops?
Customers should bring their own bags when using the bag drop service. Make sure the bags are sturdy, so they don’t break in transit – it’s a good idea not to overfill them too.
Labels should be available at the facility for you to write your full name and member number (and telephone number optional) clearly on your labels and stick them on or put them inside each bag you’re returning.
The City will endeavour to ensure labels are provided, but it’s worthwhile to bring your own just in case.
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Is there a long waiting time?There may be limited parking and potentially time restrictions in the Containers for Change site for parking. Information for parking at the site will be available and residents are encouraged to bring smaller loads to the site per transaction to prevent long queuing times. Alternatively residents can use the Bag Drop Area with their member number to be able to drop their bags and leave.
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Is there parking at the Aberdeen St Containers for Change facility?Yes. The City’s drop off site at Aberdeen St has limited 30 minutes free allocated parking within the site. Please note there is a limited number of spaces available within the site, however there is also CPP parking in Aberdeen St main car park. In light of the 30 minute free parking, the City advises to bring manageable quantities of eligible containers to the site as processing times may be longer than 30 minutes when the site initially opens and/or if there is a high volume of patrons accessing the facility.
Collect service
Can’t come to us? Don’t worry, we’ll come to you.
The Containers for Change Collect service is designed for businesses, charities and residents who live in high rise buildings and apartment complexes to have their containers collected with ease.
If you have large volumes requiring a weekly or fortnightly scheduled pickup please email the cds.inbox@cityofperth.wa.gov.au for further details.
If you have smaller quantities or require an on demand service please visit c4change.info/collectnow to find out how to book a Collect service for your work or at home.
FAQ
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How does it work?
- Make a booking (you’ll need your member number ready).
- Fill in your details and choose a service provider.
- Prepare your 10¢ containers for collection.
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Is this service available for home collection?Containers for Change Collect is available for both residential and commercial properties.
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Can my business use Containers for Change collect?Yes! Containers for Change Collect is the perfect solution for businesses that may not have time to return their 10¢ containers.
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How should I put my containers out for collection?
Always place your bags or bins in a secure and accessible location.
Be sure to securely attach your booking reference number to the container bags or bins. This will help us identify your 10¢ containers when being counted.
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Are bags or bins provided?You will be provided with three collapsible bags on your first collection.
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Can I donate my refund?
There are a few ways you can donate your refund through the Collect service.
If booking with a member number, log in to your account and set your payment preference to “donate” on your member number profile.
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When will I receive my collect refund?
Once your collection has been picked up, it will be counted, and the refund processed.
Refund times depend on your bank provider; however, you will generally receive your refund within a week.