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PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)

PET is a type of thin plastic commonly used to make beverage bottles. It can be manufactured as either clear PET or coloured PET.

Plastic drink bottle alongside recycled PET plastic pellets, illustrating the PET recycling process.

What products use PET?

Containers made from PET can be found in most fridges in shops, cafes, and restaurants around Australia. These include:

  • Soft drinks
  • Still or sparking water
  • Sports drinks

Why is PET challenging to recycle?

Out of home consumption

Many products packaged in clear PET, such as water bottles, are designed to be consumed away from home. This means they are more likely to be disposed of in general waste bins or become litter, rather than being returned for recycling.

Coloured PET

Coloured PET is more difficult to recycle because it cannot be turned back into clear plastic. Mixing different colours can also reduce the quality and value of the recycled material.

What can PET be recycled into?

Clear PET can be recycled into:

  • New clear plastic bottles
  • New coloured PET bottles
  • Food-grade recycled PET trays and packaging products

Coloured PET can be recycled into:

  • New coloured plastic bottles
  • Non-food packaging and industrial products
  • Geo fabric
  • Pallet strapping
Green plastic drink bottle alongside compressed coloured PET plastic, illustrating the coloured PET recycling process.

How much PET was recovered in FY26?

Clear PET
  • 506 million clear PET containers recovered through Queensland container refund scheme
  • 56.5% total recovery rate
  • Refund points
    • 12,976 tonnes (up 8.3% from FY25)
    • 53.5% recovery rate recovery rate
  • MRFs (kerbside recycling)
    • 710 tonnes (down 1.1%)
    • 2.9% recovery rate
Coloured PET
  • 76 million coloured PET containers recovered through Queensland’s container refund scheme
  • 82% total recovery rate
  • Refund points
    • 1,122 tonnes (up 17% from FY25)
    • 48% recovery rate
  • MRFs (kerbside recycling)
    • 784 tonnes (down 10.5% from FY25)
    • 34% recovery rate

What is COEX doing to improve PET recycling?

  • Recovering more than 540 million PET containers in FY26
  • Installing Container Exchange Points on public bins across Queensland to capture PET containers before they enter general waste streams
  • Implementing eco-modulation pricing to encourage packaging choices that support stronger recycling outcomes.

PET recycling