6 automated machines
A hands-on return at our Sandgate depot.
Return In-Store
Bring them in. Load them up. Get paid.
Return eligible bottles, cans and cartons using one of our six automated machines. Press Start, sort onto the three belts, watch your count grow, then take your docket to the cashier.
Built to keep things moving
Machines capable of accepting up to 200 containers per minute.
10¢ per eligible container
Collect your docket and head to the cashier.
Family and pet friendly
Stools for kids, pets welcome and help nearby.
Using the machines is easy
Start. Load. Stop. Cashier.
Four simple steps take you from a bag of eligible containers to your refund.
- 1 Start
Press Start
Choose an available machine and press the green Start button to begin your return.
- 2 Load
Load your containers
Place each eligible container onto the matching glass, plastics or aluminium belt.
- 3 Stop
Press Stop
When you have finished loading, press the red Stop button and collect your printed docket.
- 4 Cashier
Take your docket to the cashier
Bring your docket to our cashier so our team can complete your refund.
First time? Grab a stool for the little ones or a pair of earmuffs if you would like them, then choose an available machine and press Start.
Sort as you load. You do not need to separate everything into different bags before you arrive.
Three dedicated belts
Three belts make sorting simple.
Match each eligible container to the label on the machine. If you are unsure, ask our team before loading it.
Glass bottles
Glass
Place eligible glass drink bottles on the dedicated glass belt.
Plastic bottles, poppers and steel
Plastics
Use the plastics belt for eligible plastic bottles, poppers and steel drink containers.
Aluminium cans
Aluminium
Place eligible aluminium drink cans on the dedicated aluminium belt.
Built for a steady flow
Designed to keep your return moving.
Our automated machines process eligible containers as you load them, while the live counter shows your return growing on screen.
At the depot
We’ve thought about the little things.
Bring the little helpers, use the amenities that make your visit more comfortable and ask our team if you need a hand.
Stools at every machine
All six machines have stools so kids can help sort, reach the loading area and watch the live count grow under adult supervision.
Need it a little quieter?
Hearing protection is available for customers of all ages. Grab a pair before you start and return it to the rack when you finish.
Freshen up before you leave
A customer hand-wash station is available in the return area for you to use after your return.
Clean between customers
Our machines are regularly cleaned between customers, and we maintain the return area throughout the day.
Pets welcome
Bringing your four-legged helper? Pets are welcome in the shop too.
Help when you need it
First time using the machines? Our team is nearby and happy to help.
Choose the experience that suits you
Do it now, or leave it with us.
The two Sandgate depot options solve different needs.
Return In-Store
Use the machines. Watch your count. Get paid.
Best when you want to complete the return yourself and take your docket straight to the cashier.
See the machine steps Drop & Go
Leave the counting to us and get on with your day.
Best when you are short on time, bringing a bigger return or would prefer our team to handle the count.
Explore Drop & GoFinish your return
Grab your docket, then head to the cashier.
Press Stop when you have loaded your final container. The machine will finish your return and print the docket you take to our cashier.
Cash at the cashier
Press Stop, collect the machine docket and take it to the cashier to receive your in-store refund.
Member Number refund
Have your Containers for Change Member Number ready if you prefer an account-based payment or donation.
Before you visit
A few simple checks before you return.
Bring eligible containers in, then sort them as you load the machines.
Empty your containers
Drink containers should be empty before you return them.
Check the 10¢ mark
Look for the Queensland 10-cent refund mark or check our eligibility guide before visiting.
No need to pre-sort
Bring eligible containers together, then sort them onto the three dedicated belts as you return them.
Bring your Member Number
Have it ready if you want an account-based refund or to donate your refund.
Practical answers
Return In-Store FAQs
Everything you need to know before using the machines.
How do I use the return machines?
Press Start, place your containers onto their dedicated belts, press Stop when you are finished, then collect your docket and take it to the cashier.
Do I need to sort my containers before arriving?
No. Bring your eligible containers together and separate them onto the glass, plastics and aluminium belts while using the machine.
Which belt do my containers go on?
Use the dedicated glass belt for eligible glass bottles, the aluminium belt for eligible aluminium cans, and the plastics belt for eligible plastic bottles, poppers and steel drink containers.
Can I return crushed or damaged containers?
Yes, if the container is eligible and can still be identified as eligible under the scheme. If you are unsure, ask our team before loading it into a machine.
Can children help?
Yes. Stools are available at every customer machine so younger helpers can reach the loading area and get involved under adult supervision.
Do you have hearing protection?
Yes. Hearing protection is available for customers of all ages to use while returning containers. Grab a pair before you start and return it when you are finished.
Is there somewhere to wash my hands?
Yes. We have a hand-wash station in the customer area for customers to use after their return.
Are pets allowed?
Yes. Pets are welcome in the shop.
Are the machines cleaned?
Yes. Our team regularly cleans the machines between customers and maintains the customer return area throughout the day.
Can I bring a large return?
Yes. You can use the machines for a larger return. If you are short on time or would prefer our team to handle the counting, Drop & Go may be more convenient.
What if I do not want to count the containers myself?
Use Drop & Go during Sandgate depot trading hours. Leave your eligible containers and details with our team, then get on with your day while we handle the counting.
What containers can I return?
Most eligible drink containers between 150mL and 3L displaying the Queensland 10-cent refund mark can be returned. Check our Eligible Containers guide if you are unsure.
Visit the Sandgate depot
Ready to give the machines a go?
Bring your eligible containers in during trading hours. First time? Our team will help you get started.
- Weekdays
- Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm
- Weekend
- Saturday and Sunday, 8:00am to 4:00pm
- Public holidays
- Closed public holidays