Coles staff have diverted more than 520,000 containers from landfill thanks to a Containers for Change program rolled out across more than 180 stores in Queensland.
In October 2025, Coles partnered with Container Exchange (COEX), the not-for-profit organisation that runs Containers for Change, to place container recycling bins in staffrooms and make it easier for team members to recycle 10-cent containers during their shifts.
Almost a year on, Coles team members have returned more than 520,000 containers, turning break room bottles and cans into meaningful environmental action.
Trevor Evans, CEO of COEX, said the partnership shows how workplace recycling programs can drive real environmental, social and economic outcomes at scale.
“Coles team members across Queensland are proving how easy it is to make a difference by collecting containers in the workplace,” Mr Evans said.
“Every container returned through Containers for Change keeps valuable materials out of landfill and back into the circular economy. Having a major employer like Coles champion that message is brilliant.”
Each Coles store can choose where their 10-cent refunds go, with many choosing to donate to local community causes or charities such as Queensland’s children’s hospice Hummingbird House, which provides specialised palliative care for children and young people with life-limiting conditions.
“Coles is proud to support a team member-led back of house container deposit scheme, that not only diverts containers from landfill and supports our sustainability goals, but also raises vital funds for our charity partner Hummingbird House. It’s a simple way our team can make a meaningful impact year-round,” said Jo Brown, Coles General Manager Queensland.
Coles’ success shows how businesses of any size can turn a simple workplace habit into measurable environmental impact, and organisations across Queensland are encouraged to follow suit by joining the Containers for Change Partner Program.
To learn more about how your organisation can get involved, visit https://partners.containersforchange.com.au/.
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