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 our six automated machines, ask our team for help or choose manual counting for larger returns.
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
Collect eligible containers
Check for the 10c refund mark and keep eligible cans, bottles and cartons.
- 2
Bring them to Sandgate
Visit Sandgate Bottle & Can Exchange at 81 Kempster Street, Sandgate QLD 4017.
- 3
Choose how to return
Use the automated machines or ask the team about assisted and manual-count options.
- 4
Receive your refund
Choose cash in-store, electronic payment through a Member Number, or donation where applicable.
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
Return eligible containers at the Sandgate depot and choose cash for accepted containers 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 options
Why choose Sandgate
Why return your containers with us?
Sandgate Bottle & Can Exchange is a family-owned authorised refund point with practical support for small household returns, larger loads and first-time customers.
Six automated machines
A practical in-store setup for regular household returns.
Team assistance
Friendly staff can help first-time customers and explain the return options.
Manual counting available
Helpful for larger loads or containers that need to be counted manually.
No return too big or too small
Bring a handful, a shopping bag, a wheelie bin, a ute load or a trailer load.
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
- Address
- 81 Kempster Street, Sandgate QLD 4017
- Call or SMS
- 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.
Bag Drop refunds are electronic
- Member Number required
- Refunds processed electronically
- Convenient locations around North Brisbane
- Bags must be clearly labelled
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. 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?
No. Bring eligible containers to the depot and our automated machines or team can help process them.
What time does cash for cans close?
Depot hours are Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm and Saturday to Sunday 8:00am to 4:00pm. The depot is closed on public holidays.
Can I use a Bag Drop and receive cash?
No. Bag Drop refunds are processed electronically through a valid Containers for Change Member Number.
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?
A household home collection service is not listed as an approved current service. Contact the team if you need help choosing a return option.
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