WA’s Containers for Change: What, How and When – A Kwinana Perspective

SevenC's Admin
Oct 28
3 min read

For the Lazies - A 30-Second Summary

Western Australia's Containers for Change program gives households 10 cents for every eligible bottle or can returned for recycling. Since its launch in 2020, it has helped divert over 2 billion containers from landfills. In Kwinana, the program has gained strong community support with local depots, schools, and families getting involved. This blog outlines how the scheme works, its local history, and how Kwinana residents can maximise its benefits while supporting sustainability and the circular economy.

What Is Containers for Change?

Containers for Change is WA’s state-run container deposit scheme where people receive 10 cents for each eligible drink container returned to an authorised collection point. The program targets beverage containers, such as plastic bottles, aluminium cans, and glass drink bottles, typically ranging in size from 150ml to 3L.

The goal is to reduce litter and landfill waste while promoting recycling and community awareness. Since 2020, the scheme has been operated by the not-for-profit group WARRRL (WA Return Recycle Renew Limited).

How the Scheme Works

The process is simple. Residents collect eligible containers, check the label for the 10-cent mark, and drop them off at refund points located across the state. Some collection points offer cash refunds, while others utilise bank transfers or charitable donations.

In Kwinana, residents can use the drop-off depot located on Rockingham Road or take advantage of mobile collection services available in surrounding suburbs. Many schools and community groups also run bottle and can drives to raise funds.

What Containers Are Accepted?

Plastic soft drink and water bottles
Aluminium cans, including energy drinks and beer
Glass bottles like juice and flavoured milk
Liquid paperboard cartons, such as small juice boxes

Containers must be empty, uncrushed, and bear the refund label to be eligible.

What Containers Are Not Accepted?

Wine and spirit bottles
Plain milk containers
Juice bottles over 1 litre
Cordials and concentrated drinks

These items can still be recycled through yellow bins, but are not eligible for refunds.

The History of the Program in WA

The program officially launched in October 2020, following years of consultation and policy development. It followed similar initiatives in South Australia and Queensland to boost WA’s recycling performance. By mid-2024, over 2.3 billion containers had been returned across the state.

Kwinana was among the early adopters, with the city council actively promoting the program through local events and school partnerships. The region’s strong community engagement has made it a standout performer in WA’s waste reduction strategy.

Benefits to Kwinana Residents

Environmental: Fewer containers in landfills or polluting the local bushland and beaches
Financial: An Easy way for households to earn extra income or fundraise for schools
Community: Drives collaboration between schools, clubs, and local businesses

Residents can also support local charities by donating their refunds using scheme ID numbers linked to not-for-profits in Kwinana.

What’s Next for Containers for Change?

The WA Government has indicated plans to expand the types of containers accepted and improve collection infrastructure in regional areas. For Kwinana, this could mean more drop-off locations and educational support for local groups.

The growing focus on circular economy strategies also ties in with future recycling initiatives, such as SevenC’s recycling facility launching in WA in 2026, which will offer textile-specific solutions alongside packaging waste.