Queensland’s container refund scheme is extending payment terms for beverage manufacturers following an extensive industry consultation on the state’s scheme pricing framework.
From April, payment terms for beverage manufacturers will be 25 business days, with the change automatically applied to March 2026 invoices.
The change represents a significant extension from the previous five business day requirement and better aligns with common industry practices.
Last year Container Exchange (COEX), the not-for-profit organisation that runs Containers for Change, consulted with beverage manufacturers and industry peak bodies on several proposed improvements to the state’s scheme pricing framework.
COEX Interim CEO Trevor Evans said the consultation was driving meaningful change to make participation in the recycling program easier for beverage manufacturers.
“Beverage manufacturers have been clear about the importance of certainty and stability, and we’re taking that feedback seriously,” Mr Evans said.
“We are committed to working closely with industry to improve the scheme pricing framework so it continues to support our nation‑leading container refund scheme and strengthen the circular economy.”
COEX continues to progress work on the other key themes from the consultation including:
COEX will provide an update as it finalises these initiatives throughout 2026.
Containers for Change is one of Australia’s most successful recycling systems and delivers significant environmental, social and economic benefit to the community.
Before the launch of Containers for Change in 2018, only 18% of beverage containers were recovered and recycled in Queensland. Today more than two in three eligible containers are recovered through the scheme.
For more information about how beverage manufacturers are involved in the Queensland container refund scheme, click here.
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