Alleged Fraud at Containers for Change Facility
Authorities have launched an investigation into a pair suspected of scamming Queensland’s Containers for Change recycling program. Surveillance video from a Brisbane facility captures a woman allegedly inserting the same container multiple times into the refund machine. She grips the container firmly in one hand while dropping trash with the other to fool the device into registering a valid return.
A man stands nearby, passing her additional rubbish items. The woman reportedly activates the machine 15 times in under a minute, exploiting the system that offers a 10-cent refund for eligible items such as plastic water bottles, aluminum cans, beer bottles, and juice cartons.
Witness Account
Sindy, who filmed the incident, waited behind the pair for over 30 minutes. She described their actions as unusual and exploitative, noting they used items like fast-food cups and coffee containers instead of approved recyclables. Machines feature safeguards against such misuse, and officials plan a thorough review.
Official Response
Trevor Evans, interim CEO of Containers Exchange, emphasized the seriousness of fraud allegations. “We treat any allegation of fraud extremely seriously and want to reassure the public there are measures in place to prevent and detect any attempt to defraud Containers for Change, a not-for-profit scheme,” he stated.
Evans added, “While these types of incidents are disappointing, they are rare and most Queenslanders do the right thing when returning their containers. If you try to claim the 10-cent refund by returning ineligible containers, not only are you defrauding the community, but you are contaminating a clean stream of recycling with rubbish. Containers for Change is one of Australia’s most successful recycling schemes and creates significant environmental, social and economic benefits for Queensland.”
Public Reaction and Scheme Future
The video, shared on TikTok with the caption “woman cheats 10c bottle recycling scheme,” has ignited widespread outrage online. Some commenters showed sympathy, suggesting, “People don’t do this for fun .. they do it when they have to.”
Last year, discussions emerged about doubling the refund to 20 cents following a parliamentary inquiry. Businesses and advocates pushed for the change, arguing, “The most effective way of increasing return rates of beverage containers and reducing litter is to increase the refund amount to at least 20c per container to encourage more people to participate.” They warned that without a stronger incentive, billions of recyclables would end up in landfills or as litter.
However, Environment Minister Andrew Powell prohibited any review of refund increases during the inquiry.
