Scheme pricing is the amount beverage manufacturers pay for each eligible container supplied into Queensland.
Scheme prices vary by container material.
On 1 October 2026, COEX announced changes to scheme pricing as part of its revised eco-modulation pricing framework.
Developed following broad consultation with beverage manufacturers and industry bodies, the new framework more fairly allocates costs based on the real-world recycling costs and recovery outcomes of different container materials.
As a result, 86 per cent of beverage manufacturers are expected to see a reduction in their scheme costs from February 2027.
Current scheme prices will remain in place until 31 January 2027, with the new pricing framework taking effect from 1 February 2027.
| Material Type | Scheme price excl. GST* (through 31 January 2027) | Scheme price excl. GST (from 1 February 2027) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminium | 12.8 | 12.6 | |
| Glass | 13.9 | 12.8 | |
| PET | 13.5 | 14.3 | |
| HDPE | 13.5 | 12.3 | |
| LPB | 13.9 | 16.2 | |
| Steel | 13.9 | 15.6 | |
| Other | 13.9 | 16.2 | |
| Weighted average** | 13.3 | 13.3 | |
| *The current scheme prices apply to eligible beverage containers supplied into Queensland between 1 August 2026 and 31 January 2027. New scheme pricing will be effective from 1 February 2027.
**The weighted average is indicative only and is subject to the material type mix. ^Liquid paperboard and steel can only be recovered through refund points and are excluded from Material Recovery Facility recovery under the Queensland Container Refund Scheme Material Recovery Facility Recovery Amount Protocol (September 2023). |
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Beverage manufacturers pay a scheme contribution for each eligible container supplied into Queensland.
The amount payable depends on:
Beverage manufacturers report sales volumes and are invoiced based on the reported volumes and applicable scheme prices.
Number of eligible containers reported × applicable scheme price = scheme contribution
COEX reviews scheme prices every six months and aims to maintain stable pricing where possible.
Pricing reviews consider factors such as scheme performance, environmental targets, operational costs and container return rates.
On 1 October 2026, COEX announced changes to scheme pricing as part of its revised eco-modulation pricing framework.
Current scheme prices will remain in place until 31 January 2027, with the new pricing framework taking effect from 1 February 2027.
Any future pricing changes will be communicated to beverage manufacturers and published on this website.
COEX consults with beverage manufacturers on matters that may affect participation in the Queensland container refund scheme, including scheme pricing.
For information on current and upcoming consultations, visit our industry news page.
Scheme pricing is determined by COEX and reflects the direct cost of recycling each material, the shared costs of operating the scheme and environmental and community costs when containers are not recovered and recycled.
Different container materials have different collection, processing and recycling costs. Scheme pricing reflects these differences.
COEX reviews scheme pricing every six months to ensure it remains aligned with the costs of operating the scheme.
Current scheme prices will remain in place until 31 January 2027, with the new pricing framework taking effect from 1 February 2027.
COEX will notify beverage manufacturers of any pricing changes via email and updates to this website.
If you have questions about your obligations, products, reporting or invoicing, visit our contact page to find the right support team.
Disclaimer: This page is a general guide only and is provided to help you understand Queensland’s container refund scheme. It does not replace the legislation and should not be relied on as legal advice. Requirements and obligations depend on the law in force at the relevant time. While we aim to keep this information accurate and up to date, you should check the applicable legislation and seek your own advice if you are unsure about your obligations under the scheme.