Hospitality container collections

Collections that work around your venue

Running a busy venue is hard enough without another complicated waste process. We'll help set up a Containers for Change collection that fits your bar, kitchen, clearing and close-down routines.

Talk to us about your venue See hotel collections

What your venue receives

A collection routine that fits service

Separate eligible drink containers near the point of handling, then consolidate them safely back of house.

Full 10c refund

Venues with an ABN or ACN, and registered charities, receive the full 10c for every eligible container.

Free bins and pickup

We recommend bins for bars, clearing points and storage. Agreed ongoing bins and pickup are free for approved partners.

Message at around 90%

Contact us when bins are around 90% full. Regular servicing can be discussed later once normal trade and event volumes are clear.

Work around service

Share busy periods, laneway or loading access, storage limits and the staff contact responsible for handover.

Made for busy service

Add one easy step, not another burden

Restaurants, cafes, pubs, bars and function venues already have a rhythm for clearing and close-down. The collection should fit that rhythm.

Bar staff

Separate eligible containers where empties are already handled.

Floor teams

Keep food, cups and table waste out during clearing.

Kitchen and close-down

Move suitable containers to storage without mixing them with kitchen waste.

Venue manager

Owns storage, access, refund use and changes to the routine.

Around your venue

Capture containers where staff already touch them

The easiest collection point is usually close to the moment an empty bottle or can is cleared.

Bars

Compact points can sit alongside existing glass, rubbish and restocking routines.

Table clearing

Floor staff can separate eligible drinks before food waste reaches the kitchen.

Cafes and counters

Staff-facing points can capture takeaway drink containers returned to the counter.

Functions

Temporary event points need a clear owner at pack-down.

How it can work

Separate during service, collect from back of house

We plan around the venue's available space, trading hours and access instead of expecting service teams to follow a rigid template.

Choose service points

Place collection close to bars, clearing stations or other high-volume areas.
Keep the instruction simple

Show staff exactly which drink containers belong in the stream.
Check during close-down

Remove food, cups, straws and obvious rubbish before storage.
Collect from back of house

Use the laneway, loading or shared pickup point agreed with the venue.

Real-world result

What one restaurant returned

In under four months of recorded collections, one restaurant returned 3,508 eligible drink containers, representing $350.80 in recorded refunds.

3,508 eligible drink containers

$350.80 recorded refunds

Recorded period: 27 May 2026 to 30 August 2026

Actual recorded returns for one participating account during the stated period. Collection dates may include containers accumulated earlier. Results vary with eligible container volume, site activity and collection arrangements; these examples are not sector averages or forecasts.

A hospitality team member placing a drink bottle into a collection bin behind the bar.

Keep service waste out

Drinks in, food and glassware out

Point-of-service separation and a quick close-down check protect the container stream without adding a separate sorting shift.

Examples of eligible drink containers, including bottles, cans, cartons and poppers.

Put these in

Empty, eligible cans, plastic and glass drink bottles, and cartons carrying the Queensland 10c refund mark.

Check the detailed eligibility guide

Examples of ineligible containers, including plain milk bottles, cask wine, coffee cups and large juice containers.

Keep these out

Food, coffee cups, glassware, straws, napkins, takeaway packaging, broken glass, cooking materials and general rubbish.

Match the workstation

Use a point that fits the space and the way staff already handle empties.

Empty liquids

Reduce spills and odour before containers move into storage.

Check function points

Temporary bins often need more attention during pack-down.

Keep storage workable

Do not block cool rooms, exits, deliveries or waste access.

Your venue setup

Plan for real trade and limited space

Collection timing, bin options and storage depend on your volume and access. We'll also confirm the refund destination and any collection information your venue needs.

Trading pattern

Share busy nights, quiet days and major function periods.

Back-of-house space

Choose a storage setup your team can keep clear and clean.

Access

Coordinate laneways, loading zones, gates and shared-property rules.

Refunds

Agree whether recorded refunds support the venue or an approved cause.

What do approved commercial collection partners receive?

Businesses with an ABN or ACN, and registered charities, receive the full 10c for every eligible container. Approved partners also receive their agreed ongoing bins and commercial pickup free of charge. Other organisations can contact the team to discuss their situation.

How do we start, and who chooses the bins?

Use the commercial collection enquiry and share your organisation, site, volume, storage, access and refund preference. Sandgate Bottle & Can Exchange recommends the bin setup. The account, Member Number, payment or donation pathway is confirmed during onboarding, and bin numbers or sizes can be reviewed as real volumes become known.

When will our containers be collected?

When you first start, message the team when the bins are around 90% full and we will organise the collection. Once enough collection history shows the site's normal volume and fill rate, regular servicing can be discussed if it would suit the site.

What if we already have a stockpile of eligible containers?

Mention it in the enquiry. The team will review the amount, storage and access, then explain the most practical way to handle the existing stockpile and the ongoing setup.

What hospitality venues can enquire?

Restaurants, cafes, pubs, bars and function venues can talk to us about a commercial collection setup that fits their space and operations.

Where should the collection points go?

Usually near bars, clearing stations or other places where staff already handle empties, provided they do not obstruct service or safety.

Can function containers be included?

Yes, where staff have a clear setup, pack-down and storage routine for eligible containers.

What if we have very little storage?

Tell us what space is available and how your trading week changes. Bin and collection options can then be discussed for the real site.

Can you collect from a laneway?

A laneway or shared loading point may be possible where access, safety, property rules and suitable collection timing are agreed.

Next step

Let's make collections work around your venue

Tell us where the containers come from, where they could be stored and how we can access the site. We'll help shape a practical collection setup.

Talk to us about your venue Call or SMS