AUSTRALIA | The Cook Labor Government has made one of Western Australia's most popular environmental and community initiatives even bigger, with wine and spirit bottles soon to be included in Containers for Change.
The expansion, from the 1st of July 2026, means almost all beverage containers between 150 millilitres and three litres will be eligible for the 10-cent refund, adding around 200 million extra containers annually and supporting the Cook Labor Government's commitment to grow Western Australia's circular economy, create jobs, reduce waste to landfill, and protect and restore the environment for future generations.
Since launching in 2020, Containers for Change has recovered more than 5.4 billion containers, helping lift Western Australia's beverage container recovery rate from 34 per cent to more than 65 percent, with glass containers reaching 80 percent.
The scheme has generated more than AUD 21 million for charities, schools, and community groups through donated refunds and provides an ongoing fundraising source for community organisations across the State.
Containers for Change supports 850 jobs across WA, including through small businesses and social enterprises. The scheme also creates employment opportunities for people with disabilities and strengthens local economies in regional and remote communities.
New suppliers have a three-year transition period to update labelling, meaning some newly eligible containers may not immediately display the 10c mark.
Cellared products may access a transition period of up to ten years. Eligible containers purchased from the 1st of July 2026 can still be returned for a refund.
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