10c per eligible container
10-cent refund
Cash for cans in North Brisbane
Turn eligible cans and bottles into cash
Return eligible drink containers at our Sandgate refund point and receive 10 cents for each accepted container. Use one of our six automated machines, collect your docket and take it to the cashier.
Cash available in-store
Depot returns
Open 7 days
Outside public holidays
81 Kempster Street
Sandgate QLD 4017
What it means
Cash for cans through Containers for Change
"Cash for cans" is a common way people describe returning eligible drink containers for their 10-cent refund through Queensland's Containers for Change scheme.
The scheme covers more than aluminium cans. Eligible plastic bottles, glass bottles and liquid paperboard cartons may also receive the refund when they are accepted under the scheme.
Refund calculator
How much could your containers be worth?
Enter an estimated number of eligible containers to see the 10-cent refund value before you visit.
Estimate environmental impact tooEstimate only. The final refund is based on the number of eligible containers accepted.
How it works
How to turn your containers into a refund
- 1
Press Start
Choose an available automated machine and press the green Start button.
- 2
Load the three belts
Place glass, plastics and aluminium onto their matching dedicated belts.
- 3
Press Stop
When you are finished, press Stop and collect the docket printed by the machine.
- 4
Take the docket to the cashier
Bring your docket to our cashier so the team can complete your refund.
Payment options
Choose how you receive your refund
In-store returns and Bag Drop returns use different payment paths, so it helps to choose before you arrive.
Most direct in-store option
Cash in-store
Use an automated machine, press Stop, collect your docket and take it to the cashier during trading hours.
Member Number Electronic payment
Available through a Containers for Change Member Number.
Member Numbers and Electronic Payments
Donate Donate your refund
Use an eligible organisation's Member Number where applicable.
Fundraising optionsShort on time?
You don’t have to wait around for cash.
With Drop & Go, bring your eligible containers to our Sandgate depot during trading hours, speak with our team and get help unloading. Leave your name and mobile number, then get on with your day while we complete the count.
How cash collection works
We’ll message you when the count is complete and your cash is ready. Return to the Sandgate depot during trading hours to collect it. Same-day counting is not guaranteed.
Learn About Drop & Go
Why choose Sandgate
Why return your containers with us?
Sandgate Bottle & Can Exchange is a family-owned authorised refund point with practical support for everyday machine returns, first-time customers and Drop & Go when you would rather leave the counting to us.
Six automated machines
A quick, hands-on setup for everyday returns, capable of accepting up to 200 containers per minute.
Docket to cashier
Finish at the machine, collect your docket and take it straight to the cashier.
Family friendly
Stools are available at every machine so kids can help under adult supervision.
Short on time?
Use Drop & Go when you would prefer to leave your containers with our team and collect cash later.
Eligible containers
Which cans and bottles are worth 10 cents?
Look for the Queensland 10c refund mark. Not every drink container is eligible, and eligibility is determined by the refund mark and scheme rules.
Eligible
Most aluminium, glass, plastic, steel and liquid paperboard drink containers between 150ml and 3L.
- Soft drink and beer cans
- Plastic drink bottles
- Glass drink bottles
- Juice poppers
- Small flavoured milk cartons and poppers
- Wine and spirit bottles
Ineligible
Some beverage containers aren't accepted, but most of these items can still go into your kerbside recycling bin.
- Plain and alternative milk cartons and bottles
- Large juice boxes and cordial bottles
- Cask wine
- Coffee cup
Visit planning
Cash for cans opening hours
Visit the Sandgate depot during trading hours for in-store cash and other refund options. The depot is closed on public holidays.
- Weekdays
- Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm
- Weekend
- Saturday and Sunday, 8:00am to 4:00pm
- Public holidays
- Closed public holidays
- Address
- 81 Kempster Street, Sandgate QLD 4017
- Call us
- 0499 699 295
- Text us
- 0499 699 295
Local refund point
Cash for cans near you in North Brisbane
The Sandgate refund point serves customers from Sandgate and nearby North Brisbane suburbs including Brighton, Shorncliffe, Deagon, Bracken Ridge, Boondall, Banyo, Virginia, Nudgee, Northgate, Nundah, Aspley, Carseldine and Chermside.
Sandgate Bottle & Can Exchange 81 Kempster Street, Sandgate QLD 4017 Opposite the Sandgate PCYC Get directions
Outside depot hours
Returning containers outside depot hours?
24/7 Bag Drop is useful when you cannot visit during depot hours, but it is different from an in-store cash return.
Standard Bag Drop refunds are electronic
- Member Number required
- Refunds processed electronically
- Convenient locations around North Brisbane
- Bags must be clearly labelled
Sandgate also has a labelled-bag cash collection option. See the Bag Drop page for the exact labelling and collection steps.
Customer trust
Helpful staff and real cash refunds
Very friendly staff who helped us carry them in and even helped process. Paid us in cash too!
FAQs
Cash for cans questions
Practical answers for in-store cash refunds, eligible containers and Bag Drop payments.
How much cash do I get for cans?
Each eligible container accepted through Queensland's Containers for Change scheme is worth 10 cents.
Where can I get cash for cans near me?
You can return eligible containers at Sandgate Bottle & Can Exchange, 81 Kempster Street, Sandgate QLD 4017.
Do you pay cash for bottles as well as cans?
Yes. Eligible plastic bottles, glass bottles, cans and liquid paperboard cartons can receive the 10-cent refund when accepted through the scheme.
Can I receive cash on the spot?
In-store depot customers may choose cash according to normal operating procedures. Standard Bag Drop refunds are processed electronically.
Do I need a Member Number to receive cash?
You do not need a Member Number for an in-store cash refund. A valid Member Number is used for electronic payments, donations and Bag Drop returns.
Do I need to sort my containers?
You do not need to sort everything before arriving. Separate eligible containers onto the glass, plastics and aluminium belts as you use the machine.
What time does cash for cans close?
Depot hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm and Saturday and Sunday, 8:00am to 4:00pm. Closed public holidays.
Can I use a Bag Drop and receive cash?
Standard Bag Drop refunds use a valid Containers for Change Member Number. At the Sandgate Bag Drop only, you can label every bag with your name, phone number and 'Cash', then collect the cash during trading hours after our team messages you.
Which cans are worth 10 cents?
Look for the Queensland 10c refund mark. Not every can or drink container is eligible, so check the full eligibility guide if you are unsure.
Can you collect containers from my home?
Yes. Sandgate Bottle & Can Exchange offers Home Collections in 21 listed North Brisbane suburbs. Visit the Home Collections page to check the service area and first-collection requirements.
Do you collect containers from businesses?
Yes. Commercial collections are a separate service for businesses and organisations across approved North Brisbane service areas.
Ready to visit?
Ready to turn your containers into a refund?
Bring your eligible cans, bottles and cartons to our Sandgate refund point and receive 10 cents for each accepted container.
View opening hours