Fast depot returns
Use automated machines or ask our team for manual counting support.
Return Containers North Brisbane
Return your eligible containers with confidence.
Use our Sandgate depot for quick Containers for Change returns, helpful staff support and flexible refund options.
Cash or electronic refund
Choose cash in-store or use your Member Number for electronic payment.
Small bags to trailers
Bring household returns, wheelie bins, ute loads and larger quantities.
Helpful local team
Friendly staff are nearby for first-time and regular customers.
Why return with us?
A depot built for real container returns.
Return eligible drink containers in a way that suits the size of your load, your timing and how you want to receive your refund. Our team supports first-time visitors, regular household returns and larger bottle and can return jobs across North Brisbane.
Six automated return machines
A modern depot experience for quick, straightforward bottle and can returns.
Dedicated manual counting team
Helpful staff can count returns when a machine is not the best fit.
Small bags to trailer loads
Bring one shopping bag, wheelie bins, ute loads, trailers or commercial quantities.
Friendly local staff
A family-owned North Brisbane team that helps first-time and regular customers.
Fast service
Clear instructions, easy parking and practical support help keep visits moving.
Family owned and operated
Local owners with generations of family connection to Sandgate and the surrounding North Brisbane community.
How it works
From collected containers to refund.
The process is simple, but this page gives you the full picture before you arrive at our authorised Containers for Change refund point.
- Step 1
Collect eligible containers
Look for the Queensland 10c refund mark on eligible drink containers before you bring them in.
- Step 2
Bring them to us
Visit our depot at 81 Kempster Street with bags, tubs, wheelie bins, a ute or trailer.
- Step 3
Choose counting support
Use the automated return machines for most returns or ask our team about manual counting.
- Step 4
Choose your refund
Select cash, electronic payment using your Containers for Change Member Number, or donation.
Automated return machines
Automated return machines for quick depot returns
Our six automated return machines are ideal for most customers returning eligible bottles, cans and cartons. They are simple to use, clearly signed and supported by our team when you need a hand.
- Easy to use Clear prompts guide you as you feed eligible containers through the machines.
- Live counting See your count build as containers are accepted.
- Cleaned after every use Our customer service team keeps each machine ready for the next return.
- Child friendly Families can use the machines with help nearby when needed.
- Sort as you go Three dedicated belts help separate aluminium, glass and plastic containers.
Manual counting
Manual counting for bigger or trickier returns
Manual counting is one of the reasons customers choose our depot. If you arrive with shopping bags, wheelie bins, trailers, ute loads or commercial quantities, our experienced team can help process the return in the way that makes sense.
- A few bags Perfect when you have collected more than you want to feed through the machines yourself.
- Wheelie bins and tubs Bring bulk household returns in the containers that make sense for your home setup.
- Utes, trailers and commercial loads Our team can help process larger returns from households, businesses and organisations.
Getting paid
Choose the refund option that works for you.
Your eligible containers are worth a 10c refund. At the depot, you can choose the payment path that fits the way you return.
Cash
Choose cash when you return in-store and want your 10c refund processed on the spot.Electronic payment
Quote your Containers for Change Member Number to receive payment to your nominated bank or PayPal account.
Donate your refund
Send your refund to a participating charity, school, club or community cause.Before you visit
A few simple things make returns easier.
These practical tips help your container refund visit run smoothly.
Empty your containers
Containers should be empty before they are returned.
Labels can be missing
We can accept containers without labels when our team can still clearly identify them as eligible under the scheme.
Crushed containers accepted
Crushed containers are okay as long as they can be easily identified as eligible Containers for Change containers.
No sorting needed
Bring eligible containers to us and our machines or team can help process them.
Bring your Member Number
Have it ready if you want electronic payment or to donate your refund.
Visit Us
Visit us in-store
Find us at 81 Kempster Street, Sandgate QLD 4017, opposite the Sandgate PCYC. The depot supports customers returning containers from across North Brisbane.
Depot details
- Address
- 81 Kempster Street, Sandgate QLD 4017
- Nearby
- Opposite the Sandgate PCYC
- Weekdays
- Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm
- Weekend
- Saturday and Sunday, 8:00am to 4:00pm
- Phone
- 0499 699 295
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers before you return containers.
Quick answers for first-time visitors, regular customers and larger returns.
Do I need to sort containers before I arrive?
No. You can bring eligible containers to the depot and our machines or team can help process them.
Can I return crushed cans?
Yes. We can accept crushed containers as long as they can be easily identified as eligible containers under the Containers for Change scheme.
Can I return large quantities?
Yes. We can help with shopping bags, wheelie bins, ute loads, trailers and commercial quantities.
Can businesses return containers?
Yes. Businesses can return containers at the depot or talk to us about commercial collection support.
Can I use my Member Number?
Yes. Quote your Containers for Change Member Number if you want electronic payment to your nominated bank or PayPal account.
How do I receive electronic payment?
Provide your Containers for Change Member Number when your containers are processed. Your refund is then paid through the scheme to your nominated account.
How long does counting take?
Timing depends on the size and type of return. Most regular depot visits are designed to be quick, and our team can guide you when you arrive.
Can someone help unload my vehicle?
Our team is nearby to help with practical questions and counting options. Ask us when you arrive if you need guidance.
What containers are eligible?
Most eligible drink containers between 150mL and 3L with the Queensland 10c refund mark can be returned.
Do you accept glass bottles?
Yes, eligible glass drink bottles displaying the 10c refund mark can be returned.
Can I bring containers packed back into cartons?
Yes. If you have packed your empty eligible containers back into cartons, you can skip the machines and our team can tip and process them for you.
Do I need to remove the lids?
No. You do not need to remove lids before returning eligible containers.
Can I donate my refund?
Yes. You can donate your refund to a participating charity, school, club or community group.
Where are you located?
Our depot is at 81 Kempster Street, Sandgate QLD 4017, opposite the Sandgate PCYC.
Do you have parking?
Yes. The depot is set up for customers arriving by car, ute or trailer.
Useful links
Plan the right return.
Choose the next page that matches what you need to do.
Return Containers
Ready to return your containers?
Bring your eligible drink containers to our North Brisbane depot, or contact the team if you need help choosing the right return option.