Check the size
Eligible containers are usually between 150mL and 3L.
Eligible Containers
Know what can be returned.
Check the 10c refund mark, container size and product type before you return through the Queensland scheme.
Look for 10c
The refund mark is the simplest first check.
Common exclusions
Plain milk, large juice and some other containers are not eligible.
Unsure? Ask us
Bring uncertain containers in and our team can help.
Quick checker
Is your container eligible?
Answer a few quick questions to see whether your container is likely to be eligible for a 10c refund before you visit.
Question 1 of 5
Question 1
Was it a drink container?
Examples include soft drink, water, beer, energy drink and juice.
Eligible and ineligible
A simple guide to what is usually eligible.
Use this as a practical guide, then check the official scheme if a container is uncertain.
Eligible Containers
- Most aluminium, glass, plastic, steel and liquid paperboard beverage containers between 150mL and 3L are eligible for a 10-cent refund.
- Eligible containers must be included on the scheme's list of products. Use the eligibility checker on this page to help confirm your containers are eligible.
- Eligible containers should display the refund mark. Glass wine and pure spirit bottles are exempt from displaying the 10c mark until January 2027.
- Poppers
Not Eligible
- Plain Milk or Milk Alternatives
- Cask wine
- Containers 1L or more that contained flavoured milk, pure fruit or vegetable juice, cask wine or cask water
- Concentrated or undiluted cordial or syrup containers
- Sachets above 250mL that have contained wine
- Registered health tonics
- Containers less than 150mL or greater than 3L
How to check
Three checks before you return.
- 1
Check the size
Eligible drink containers are usually between 150mL and 3L.
- 2
Check the refund mark
Look for the 10c refund mark on the container.
- 3
Check official eligibility
Use the Containers for Change app or website when you are unsure.
Common confusion
Common eligibility questions, clarified.
Milk and large flavoured milk
Plain milk containers of all sizes and flavoured milk containers 1L or more are not eligible.
Large juice containers
Pure fruit or vegetable juice containers 1L or more are not eligible.
Crushed Containers/Cans
We can accept containers if our team can still clearly identify them as eligible under the scheme.
In-store help
Our team can help identify eligible containers.
If you are unsure about a container, bring it with you when you visit. Our team can help check the size, container type and refund mark before you return.
Ask before you return
Eligibility depends on the container type, size and whether it is included in the scheme.
Labels help, but are not always required
If a container can be clearly identified as eligible, we can still process it.
FAQs
Common questions
What containers are eligible?
Most aluminium, glass, plastic, steel and liquid paperboard beverage containers between 150mL and 3L with the Queensland 10c refund mark are eligible.
What size containers can I return?
Eligible containers are usually between 150mL and 3L. Containers outside that range may not be eligible.
Are wine bottles eligible?
Some wine bottles can be eligible when they are part of the scheme and display the 10c refund mark.
Are spirit bottles eligible?
Some spirit bottles can be eligible when they are included in the scheme and display the 10c refund mark.
Are milk bottles eligible?
Plain milk containers of all sizes, including plant-based milk substitutes, are not eligible.
Are juice bottles eligible?
Some smaller juice containers may be eligible, but pure fruit or vegetable juice containers 1L or more are not eligible.
Can I return crushed cans?
Yes. Sandgate Bottle & Can Exchange can accept crushed containers if our team can clearly identify them as eligible.
Do containers need labels?
Labels help identify eligibility, but we can accept containers without labels when they can still be clearly identified as eligible.
Do lids need to stay on?
No. You do not need to remove lids before returning eligible containers.
What if I am unsure?
Ask our team, use the Containers for Change app, or check the official Containers for Change eligibility guide.
Ready to return?
Bring eligible containers to Sandgate.
Use the depot for cash, quote your Member Number, or use Bag Drop if your bags are clearly labelled.