Australia’s container deposit schemes give people a simple way to earn extra money while doing something positive for the environment. If you have ever returned a bag of bottles and cans and walked away with cash, you already know how satisfying it can be. What many people do not realise is that with a bit of consistency, or by using collection services, container refunds can turn into a reliable side hustle.
What Are Container Deposit Schemes?
Container deposit schemes are government-run recycling programs that offer a refund, usually 10 cents, for each eligible drink container returned. These schemes operate across most Australian states and territories under different names, including Return and Earn in NSW, Containers for Change in Queensland, CDS Vic in Victoria, and Recycle Rewards in Tasmania.
Eligible containers usually include aluminium cans, plastic bottles, glass bottles, and drink cartons between specific sizes. You can check eligibility by looking for the refund mark printed on the container.
The basic process is simple:
- Collect eligible containers
- Return them to a refund point or use a pickup service
- Receive 10 cents per container returned
Making Money by Collecting Your Own Cans and Bottles
Start at Home
The easiest way to begin is by collecting containers from your own household. Keeping a separate bag or crate in your kitchen, garage, or laundry makes it easy to build up a stash over time. A household that regularly buys soft drinks, bottled water, or canned beverages can easily collect 50 to 100 containers a month without much effort.
At 10 cents per container, that adds up faster than you might expect.
Expand Beyond Your Household
Once you get into the habit, there are plenty of ways to increase your earnings:
- Ask friends, family, or neighbours if you can collect their containers
- Offer to take containers from workplaces, offices, or community groups
- Visit local parks, beaches, or sporting areas, especially after busy weekends or events
- Speak to cafes or takeaway shops that do not already use a collection service
Many people are happy to give away containers if it saves them time and effort.
* If you are collecting from public areas, always look after the safety of yourself and others. Avoid collecting near busy roadsides. Be conscious of your surroundings and have your phone with you. Wear gloves and if possible, use a rubbish pick up tool. Also avoid touching any cans or bottles that are damaged or broken.
How Much Can You Make?
For casual collectors, earnings are usually modest but steady. Many people report earning $10 to $50 per month from household and local collections (friends, neighbours, and collecting from parks and other public areas). Those who treat it more seriously and collect from multiple sources, such as restaurants and pubs, can earn hundreds of dollars a month.
Some Australians have even turned container collecting into a major side income by building relationships with businesses and collecting large volumes consistently.
Tips to Maximise Your Container Refund Earnings
- Get in touch with local businesses, such as pubs to see if they’re already participating in the scheme. If not, ask if they’d be happy for you to collect their unwanted bottles and cans.
- Keep containers empty and reasonably clean
- Keep the labels intact so that the machines can identify them
- Track busy times and locations for public collections
- Combine depot visits with other errands to save time
Consistency matters more than speed. Small, regular collections add up over time.
Depot Drop-Off Options
Every state scheme offers traditional return points, including depots, reverse vending machines, and over-the-counter locations. These are ideal if you prefer to handle returns yourself and want to receive the full refund per container.
You can find locations through your state’s official scheme website, such as:
https://returnandearn.org.au/
https://cdsvic.org.au/
https://recyclerewards.com.au/
How to Make Money Without Visiting a Depot
Not everyone has the time or ability to transport bags of bottles and cans to a return point. That is where services like ReCollect come in.
ReCollect
ReCollect is a container pickup service that operates in several parts of Australia. Instead of taking your containers to a depot, you book a pickup online or through the app. A driver collects your bags, the containers are counted, and your refund is credited to your account.
You can then withdraw the money to your bank account or donate it to a charity.
You can learn more or check availability here: https://re-collect.com.au/
In New South Wales, ReCollect operates alongside the Return and Earn scheme and offers convenient home and business pickups.
In the ACT, ReCollect is the official pickup partner for the container deposit scheme. Because the service includes transport and handling, the refund paid to users is slightly lower, usually around 7 cents per container. While this is less than the full refund, many people are happy to trade a few cents per container for the convenience of not having to visit a return point.
More information about ReCollect in the ACT is available here: https://actcds.org.au/recollect/
Container Collect in Queensland
Queensland residents can use Container Collect, a free home collection service offered through Containers for Change. Users create an account, request bags, and book pickups when ready. Refunds are paid directly to your nominated account.
You can learn more here: https://www.containersforchange.com.au/qld/container-collect
Envirobank
Envirobank works with households, businesses, hospitality venues, and organisations to collect large volumes of containers. A minimum of 250 containers is required when booking a pickup, and you can receive your cash via PayPal or in the form of an eGiftcard or Velocity Frequent Flyer Points.
More information is available at: https://envirobank.com.au/
Container Collection Driving as a Side Hustle
Another way you can make some extra cash through Container Deposit Schemes is by becoming a driver for one of the collection businesses.
ReCollect is one of these services that offers a great potential side hustle if you enjoy driving and flexible work.
Drivers collect bags of containers from homes and businesses, transport them to processing facilities, and are paid for their time and deliveries. This can be a good option for people who want casual, flexible work and already have access to a suitable vehicle.
If you are interested in driving for ReCollect, you can find more details through their website: https://re-collect.com.au/contact/drive-with-us/
Availability and requirements vary by location, so it is worth checking whether the service is recruiting drivers in your area.
Is Making Money From Containers Worth It?
Container deposit schemes will not make you rich, but they are one of the most accessible and low-risk side hustles available in Australia. There are no startup costs, no special skills required, and you can scale your effort up or down depending on your time and energy.
Whether you collect your own bottles and cans, use a service like ReCollect, or earn money by driving for a collection service, container refunds are a practical way to earn extra cash while reducing waste.
For many Australians, it is not just about the money. It is also about knowing that every container returned is one less item ending up in landfill.