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What is the Asset Program?

The COEX Asset Program empowers small to medium-sized operators, charities and community groups to participate in or expand their presence in Containers for Change. 

  • Lease-to-own arrangements provide access to customer-facing collection infrastructure such as reverse vending machines (RVMs) without large upfront costs
  • Reduces financial barriers by eliminating the burden of significant capital investment, making participation more accessible
  • Helps organisations develop sustainable business models while funding community initiatives and contributing to Queensland’s container recycling efforts
  • Apply to the asset program first to check eligibility. If you meet the eligibility requirement, it is then subject to financial due diligence, site approval and asset availability

Being eligible for the asset program does not guarantee that you will be successful in any application for a container refund point, it will support the application by showing that you have the equipment required to successfully operate and speed up the application process.

Who is eligible?

The Asset Program is specifically designed for: 

  • Small to medium container refund point operators looking to expand their operations; 
  • Charitable organisations registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC); 
  • Community groups with a formal governance structure; 
  • Social enterprises with a demonstrated community benefit; 
  • New entrants to the Containers for Change network who meet certain criteria. 

To be eligible, applicants must: 

  • Demonstrate financial viability and sustainability; 
  • Have a clear plan for operating the leased equipment; 
  • Show how the assets will enhance container collection in their community; 
  • Have appropriate approvals or realistic plans to secure necessary permits for operating the equipment; 
  • Be in Queensland. 

What is the process?

  1. Application submission: Eligible organisations apply to the asset program with supporting documentation. This is a separate application to a site application. 
  2. Initial assessment: COEX reviews all applications against the established criteria and determines eligibility (subject to financial due diligence, site approval and asset availability.) 
  3. Site application: Organisation applies for a site.  
  4. Due diligence: COEX conducts thorough assessment of shortlisted applications, which may include site visits or interviews. 
  5. Selection: Successful applicants are notified and leasing arrangements are formalised. 
  6. Mobilisation: COEX works with successful applicants to deploy the assets. 
  7. Ongoing support: COEX provides technical assistance and monitors equipment performance throughout the lease period. 
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How can I apply?

Applications for the COEX Asset Program can be made here. A complete application should include: 

  • Business case: A detailed explanation of how the leased assets will be used, expected container volumes and projected impact on your operations. 
  • Financial information: Recent financial statements demonstrating organisational viability. This could be you P&L, cashflow and balance, or a copy of your tax return.  
  • Operational plan: Details on staffing, opening hours and how the equipment will be integrated into existing or new operations. 
  • Site details: Information about the proposed location including any approvals needed or already obtained. 

How are applications assessed?

  • Strategic alignment: How well the proposal aligns with COEX’s objectives of network expansion, social and environmental impact. 
  • Financial sustainability: Evidence that the applicant can maintain operations throughout the lease period. 
  • Community need: Demonstrated need for additional container refund services in the proposed location. 
  • Operational capacity: Ability of the applicant to effectively operate and maintain the leased equipment. 
  • Social impact: Potential to create employment opportunities or support community initiatives. 
  • Track record: Previous experience in container refund operations or related activities (for existing operators).
  • All applications are assessed on a first come, first served basis and reviewed by an assessment panel to ensure fairness and transparency in the selection process.  

Applicants will be notified of outcomes within 6-8 weeks. 

Apply today

Don’t let funding hold you back

From shopping centre RVMs to community collection points, your vision combined with our assets creates powerful change.

Apply for the asset program today