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Set up a CRP

If you are a business looking to expand into container recycling, COEX provides flexible options for you to explore. Apply today to operate and manage a reverse vending machine, shopfront or depot. As an operator, you invest in the site, host your own assets and manage day-to-day operations, while COEX picks up your containers and manages all logistics and processing.  

If you are a community group or not-for-profit, you can also apply to host a reverse vending machine or open a shopfront on your premises. You can lease the asset from COEX – we take care of site operation, asset service and maintenance, pick up your containers and manages all logistics and processing.

Begin application

Application process overview

Setup a CRP
  • View a PDF version of the application form here.
  • View a list of supporting documents to attach here. 
  • View application terms & conditions here.  
Set up a CRP

Before you apply

 COEX assesses your application against the criteria and if approved, you proceed to contracting and mobilisation. 

Get started
Set up a CRP

Where are the opportunities?

We geared our expansion toward providing the most convenient experience possible for customers. COEX takes a customer-led and data-driven approach in our journey towards an 85% recovery rate target across the state.  

Our opportunity map highlights potential areas of growth. These are locations with lower recovery rates, making them ideal for new container refund points. 

This map can guide you in your analysis before you apply. 

Explore the map

Two pathways to join

Open-market application
Apply online today for the opportunity to operate a container refund point at a new site you are proposing.
Start your application
Expression of interest (EOI)
COEX may identify opportunities that are appropriate for the scheme and present those through an EOI process.
Find out more

Meet the operator

Learn from the experiences of our successful container refund point operators.

Caboolture Container Recycling
Strong Street Recyclers

Frequently asked questions

Topics

How do I apply through the open-market pathway?
  1. Identify a potential site for a new container refund point
  2. Apply
  3. Attach supporting documents

Applications follow a robust evaluation process to select an operator. If the application is approved, successful operators enter into a contract with COEX to establish and run the container refund point.

Applicants can submit an open-market application at any time on the website. COEX assesses applications on a rolling basis and notifies applicants of the outcome when a decision is made.

How do I apply through the expression of interest (EOI) pathway?
  1. COEX identifies a suitable opportunity for a new container refund point
  2. COEX releases an EOI for that specific site on its website
  3. Interested operators submit their EOI, addressing set criteria

Applications follow a robust evaluation process to select an operator. If application is approved, successful operators enter into a contract with COEX to establish and run the container refund point.

COEX releases EOIs on an ad hoc basis as suitable sites are identified. Keep an eye on the website for new opportunities.

How can I get involved?

There are two pathways to get involved: 

Open-market application for operator-identified sites

Applicants identify a suitable site for a container refund point and apply online for the right to operate a container refund point at that site. COEX then assesses the application against set criteria and, if approved, the operator proceeds to contracting and mobilisation. This means if an operator brings COEX a viable site, they retain the right to operate it providing COEX approves the application. COEX no longer takes identified sites to open tender or discuss these applications with other operators.  

Operators can apply online on the COEX website. They can read through a static version of the form to understand what is required to submit the application. 

Expression of Interest (EOI) for COEX-identified opportunities

COEX may identify opportunities that are appropriate for the scheme and present those through an EOI process. If an applicant is successful, they proceed to contracting and mobilisation. 

 

 

What information do I need to provide in my application?

The specific requirements depend on the chosen CRP type, but typically include: 

  • Business details – Entity information, ABN/ACN, financial capacity and relevant experience; 
  • Compliance declarations – Background checks, investigations, litigation and director history; 
  • Site specifications – Location, CRP type, zoning, planning approvals and ownership status; 
  • Operational plans – Operating hours, volumes, customer setup, logistics and security; 
  • Supporting documentation – Traffic management, employment, marketing and customer experience plans; 
  • Financial records – Business statements (past 12 months) or recent performance data; 
  • Additional plans – Complaints management and community engagement strategies. 

View a PDF version of the application form here. View a list of supporting documents to attach here.  

Is there an application fee?

No, there is no fee to apply. 

What happens after I apply?

COEX will liaise with you throughout the application process & may request additional information as required. If successful, we then discuss next steps and guide you through contracting and mobilisation. You can view more detail about the process here.

How are applications evaluated?

A COEX panel evaluates applications against set, published criteria that considers: 

  • Alignment with COEX network gaps;
  • Site location and suitability; 
  • Applicant financial capacity; 
  • Social and environmental benefits to the community; 
  • Compliance record (for existing operators). 

View the qualifying and evaluation criteria here. 

How can I strengthen my application?
  • Demonstrate knowledge of local community needs
  • Include a detailed operational plan
  • Show how the site improves customer convenience relative to existing channels
  • Highlight any unique benefits or innovations
  • Include evidence of community support if applicable
What happens if my application does not get approved?

Rejection does not necessarily mean the application is completely unsuitable. COEX may suggest an alternative refund point type that better suits the area based on factors like foot traffic, space and community needs. However, failure to meet qualifying criteria is likely to result in the application being rejected. 

What are common reasons applications are not approved?
  • The qualifying criteria was not met
  • The chosen location would better suit a different site format (for example an RVM rather than a depot)
  • The local recovery rate is already higher than 85%
  • The applicant has inadequate operational planning experience
  • The site has insufficient space or has an unsuitable site layout
  • There is a lack of clear customer or community benefit
  • The application was incomplete
Who can I contact if I have any questions or feedback about the process?

For questions about the application process, please email expansion@coex.com.au. Individuals should email feedback@coex.com.au with any feedback or concerns about the process. 

What are my responsibilities as an operator?

All operators: 

  • Maintain their site’s lease;
  • Purchase or lease required assets and maintain assets (RVM, shopfront, bag drop equipment); 
  • Collect containers and provide refunds; 
  • Keep accurate records and report to COEX; 
  • Provide excellent customer service; 
  • Ensure a safe and environmentally responsible operation; 
  • Comply with workplace health and safety requirements. 

Depot operators also carry out eight-factor sorting of containers by material type and prepare them for collection by COEX providers. For operators who only wish to operate RVM or shopfronts (and no depot) in South East Queensland, COEX can manage secondary sorting and collection while operators focus on site management and operations, customer service and asset servicing and maintenance. 

How often are containers collected?

Collection frequency depends on volume and site type. COEX determines this during mobilisation and updates as needed to ensure machines remain available for customers. 

How do I forecast container volumes for my application?

Applicants should research the proposed site and include their methodology in their application. Consider existing operators in the area, population growth forecasts and local demographics.  

By analysing annual beverage sales against ABS population data, COEX determines that the average Queenslander consumes 1.65 beverages per day (based on FY25 data).  

Applicants can then use this figure to estimate consumption in a particular location using population figures per local government area. Remember this is a forecast only, not a performance guarantee. 

What revenue can I expect?

Operators receive handling fees based on container volume processed. The fee structure can vary by organisation type and the model the application is based on (commercial or community), infrastructure type (depot, shopfront, small or large RVM) and services performed. Depots performing secondary sorting receive higher fees reflecting the additional work required. The current handling fees for South East Queensland can be viewed here. 

What are the ongoing compliance requirements?

Operators must maintain: 

  • Consistent operating hours as agreed; 
  • Safe and accessible facilities; 
  • Accurate container counting and reporting; 
  • Timely and accurate refund payments to customers; 
  • Environmental standards compliance; 
  • Regular reporting to COEX. 
What support does COEX provide?

COEX provides a range of support including: 

  • Training and operational guidance; 
  • Scheme marketing support, including statewide website and app;  
  • Ongoing performance data and insights; 
  • Regular operational check-ins and support; 
  • Free use of the IT Platform and Point of Sale systems; 
  • Collection infrastructure and the transportation of containers to processing; 
  • Access to an operator hub with resources and peer support network. 

For more information, contact the team at expansion@coex.com.au.  

Are leasing options available for assets?

Yes, leasing options are available to applicants to help them get started with the COEX Asset Program. Contact the expansion team for more information.  

Who can apply to become part of the network?

COEX welcomes applications from existing operators looking to expand, new operators keen to open their first container refund point and community groups and not-for-profits keen to host a collection point as an innovative fundraising option. 

What is the difference between the commercial model and the model for community groups and not-for-profits?

An operator working under our commercial model invests in the site, purchases its own assets and manages day-to-day operations, while COEX manages collection of containers, all logistics and processing.  

Community groups and not-for-profit organisations can also apply to host a container refund point to fund their cause or initiative under the community model. They host the asset on their premises and receive a handling fee per container returned, but can also opt to receive a lower handling fee if some aspects of cleaning and maintenance are performed by COEX. This is assessed through the application process. 

What classifies as a community groups and not-for-profits?

Community groups and not-for-profits are either: 

  • Registered with ASIC and have an ABN; 
  • Registered as a not-for-profit or charity (with an associated charity number); or 
  • A community-run incorporated association such as a sports club. 
Do I need my own depot to operate an RVM or shopfront?

No. Operators can open a network of RVMs and shopfronts in South East Queensland without a depot, in which case COEX handles secondary sorting and operators are remunerated accordingly. See the South East Queensland handling fees for more information.  

What is secondary sorting?

Secondary sorting refers to the additional separation of containers that occurs after the initial collection from customers. RVMs and shopfronts only do primary sorting (separating glass from all other containers at the point of collection), glass containers are sent directly for processing while the remaining containers are collected and sent to processing facilities.  

Secondary sorting typically happens at depots and larger facilities equipped with the necessary technology and space for efficient material separation. It separates containers into specific material types including, aluminium, PET clear, PET coloured, steel, HDPE, liquid paper board and other low-quantity materials. 

Which container refund point type is best for my situation?

View the different types of container refund points here. Each type has different space requirements, capacity capabilities and operational needs. The COEX expansion team can help determine which option is best for an operator’s specific goals – contact them at expansion@coex.com.au. 

How does COEX determine where new collection points are needed?

COEX uses a range of data sources to gain an understanding of potential opportunity areas for new CRP sites, including: 

  • Customer convenience and existing refund points;  
  • Container recovery rates; 
  • Population density; 
  • Changing demographics or new developments. 

Recovery rate and CRP data is published in the opportunity map. Please note this data is for general information only and may not be accurate or complete. COEX does not guarantee that a CRP will be profitable or approved based on this data and applicants should rely on their own analysis and must meet all relevant criteria and processes for site approval. 

Who gets priority if two applications compete?

COEX assesses competing applications based on what is best for the overall scheme, considering community accessibility, customer convenience and experience, site volume capacity and alignment with COEX’s recovery goals. COEX prioritises coverage in underserviced areas.  

If an application is unsuccessful the COEX team will provide feedback and discuss alternatives. 

I am a current operator with a depot; can I sign up to do secondary sorting for all the RVMs and shopfronts in my area?

COEX is currently investigating a range of options for secondary sorting, working with current operators and exploring new alternatives. If operators have the capacity to do secondary sorting they should reach out to expansion@coex.com.au.

Can I set up an RVM or shopfront outside of South East Queensland?

Yes, operators can apply to set up an RVM or shopfront anywhere in Queensland that meets the criteria set by COEX. While support for site identification and mobilisation is currently prioritised for South East Queensland, COEX assesses all applications based on their individual merits and ability to increase customer convenience. Note that COEX does not offer secondary sorting services outside of South East Queensland, which means RVM and shopfront operators must arrange secondary sorting through an existing depot

What problem is COEX trying to solve?

Customers have told us that many parts of our network lack convenient options to return containers, particularly in South East Queensland as illustrated by the scheme’s lowest recovery rates. 

To answer the call for convenience, COEX is introducing streamlined pathways to establish new container refund points (CRPs) – such as reverse vending machines (RVM) and shopfronts. These refund points can be in residential and retail areas, both of which have been harder to reach historically. 

COEX is also launching new options allowing charities and community groups to host a container refund point on their premises. This helps them raise funds through handling fees and donations while also helping increase network density.  

To ensure we receive quality applications and to make the application process easier for applicants, we have moved the application form online. This also helps ensure consistent assessment, with published criteria and areas of opportunity* on the COEX website to help prospective operators identify underserviced areas for new CRPs.  

These new processes create a transparent process to fill network gaps while accelerating growth toward COEX’s 85% recovery target. 

* References to “areas of opportunity” are for general information only and do not guarantee suitability for a CRP or approval of any application. Prospective CRP operators must rely on their own investigations and meet all relevant application criteria. 

What are ways to get involved in the network?

Operators might host or run a range of different site types: 

  • an RVM;  
  • a shopfront;  
  • a depot; 
  • a depot and a network of RVMs and shopfronts; 
  • or a network of multiple depots and multiple RVMs or shopfronts.  
How do I apply?

Operators can apply online through two routes: bring COEX a site they have identified or respond to an Expression of Interest for sites COEX has identified.  

Why the focus on South East Queensland?

South East Queensland has the highest population density but the lowest container recovery rates in the state. By strategically expanding in South East Queensland, we’re looking to make returning containers convenient for more Queenslanders, with more return points closer to where customers live, work and play.  

What qualifies as South East Queensland?

South East Queensland is defined as the following local government areas: 

  • Brisbane City
  • Ipswich City 
  • Logan City 
  • City of Moreton Bay 
  • Redland City 
  • Gold Coast City 
  • Sunshine Coast Regional Council 
  • Noosa Shire Council 
Why is COEX introducing more RVMs and shopfronts?

Industrial land for large-scale depots is scarce and customers need more convenient locations to return containers, particularly in densely populated areas. Shopfronts and RVMs are typically located in retail or high-foot-traffic residential areas where people already shop, work or pass through regularly. 

While depots remain the backbone of the Containers for Change network, shopfronts represent a smaller format, high-accessibility option that supports network growth by reaching customers in more urbanised or convenience-focused locations. 

Where are the priority areas for new container refund points?

Priority areas are shown in red on the opportunity map. These are locations with lower network coverage or recovery rates, suggesting potential opportunities for new container refund points. This data will continue to be updated to reflect substantive changes in recovery rates and new CRP openings. 

Please note this data is for general information only and may not be accurate or complete. COEX does not guarantee that a CRP will be profitable or approved based on this data and applicants should rely on their own analysis and must meet all relevant criteria and processes for site approval. 

Need help?

Contact our friendly Expansion team with any question

Contact the team