Brisbane super collector Daniel Maddox has turned empty cans and bottles into a set of wheels, using 10-cent refunds to buy a second-hand Mazda 3 through Containers for Change.
The 79-year-old has returned more than 200,000 containers over the past three years at Community Co Recycling in Windsor and Albion, with the result of his efforts now parked in his driveway.
After losing his Ute in the 2022 Brisbane floods, Daniel was left without a car and could not afford to buy another straight away.
In just one year, Daniel turned his community’s empties into $5,000 worth of 10-cent refunds to pay off a second-hand car, keeping containers out of landfill at the same time.
Daniel continues to use his refunds to help cover everyday living costs, including fuel and household bills, having paid his entire electricity bill with 10-cent containers last year.
Daniel said it was the combination of extra money and a positive environmental impact that made the scheme worth getting behind.
“It’s great to have a scheme where you can put money aside just by returning your empties. You might not think much of 10-cents, but it’s money you’d otherwise be throwing away,” Mr Maddox said.
“And you know those cans and bottles are being recycled rather than going to waste. I think that’s a wonderful thing. A little extra in your pocket and you’re helping keep Queensland clean.”
Daniel’s story is being shared during National Recycling Week, as Queensland marks 13 billion containers returned through Containers for Change since 2018. That’s $1.3 billion back into the pockets of everyday Queenslanders, like Daniel, alongside charities, community groups and schools.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said Containers for Change was about putting money back into Queenslanders pockets while delivering better outcomes for the environment.
“Containers for Change is Queenslander’s scheme, funded by Queenslanders, and we want to see them getting as much money back in their pockets as possible,” Minister Powell said.
“Daniel has shown just how much those 10-cent refunds can add up, turning empty bottles and cans into a new car.
“Our Government wants to see more Queenslanders benefiting from the scheme, while keeping valuable recyclable materials out of landfill and driving up our recycling rate.”
Trevor Evans, CEO of Container Exchange, the not-for-profit that runs Containers for Change, said Daniel’s story was a fitting way to celebrate the 13 billion milestone, an achievement belonging to all Queenslanders.
“13 billion containers is an enormous number, but behind it are Queenslanders like Daniel making the decision to return their containers again and again for a good cause,” Mr Evans said.
“National Recycling Week is a timely reminder that returning containers is a simple habit that has far reaching environmental, social and economic benefits.”
Containers for Change is encouraging all Queenslanders to join the recycling effort this National Recycling Week (9-15 November 2026) by returning their eligible containers to one of more than 400 container refund points across the state.
To find your nearest refund point, visit https://www.containersforchange.com.au/qld/where-to-return.
Media Contact:
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e | media@containerexchange.com.au
