The Queensland Container Refund Scheme (CRS) launches on 1 November this year.
Under the scheme, a 10 cent refund will be provided to consumers for eligible, empty drink containers between 150ml and 3L in size that are returned to a participating Container Refund point.
What retailers need to know
The CRS will primarily affect manufacturers who produce drinks in recyclable containers, however retailers should be aware that the cost of these goods will increase.
This increase will likely be incorporated into the Cost of Goods and will include the Refund Amount (10 cents) and a Handling Fee. We estimate the total increase could be between 13 and 15 cents per container.
It is expected that retailers will pass the increased cost onto consumers in the retail price of these goods.
Customers can then drop off eligible containers at a Container Refund point to either:
a)Receive the 10 cent refund directly or
b)Donate the refund to the charity collecting the containers
CRS points will be a combination of companies and charity/community groups. These CRS points will be announced closer to November.
What retailers need to do now
Nothing. Unless you manufacture beverages you don’t need to do anything right now. Closer to the date we recommend that you prepare for the price increase and also make your staff aware of the closest CRS point in case customers enquire.