New Environmental Behaviours Report reveals what’s driving Queenslanders to recycle

Keeping Queensland beautiful is more than a slogan for container recyclers, with new research showing protecting the environment is the number one reason people participate in Containers for Change.

Research commissioned by Container Exchange (COEX), the not-for-profit that runs Containers for Change, and conducted by Veracity found reducing litter and landfill outweighs financial incentives as a motivator for recycling, while nine in 10 Queenslanders say the scheme helps keep their communities clean and reduces waste.

Since the scheme launched in 2018, more than 12.3 billion eligible containers have been returned at refund points, putting $1.2 billion in 10-cent refunds back into the pockets of Queenslanders, community groups and charities.

The research of more than 5,000 Queenslanders found:

57% of Queenslanders recycle their containers to benefit the environment
91% of Queenslanders agree Containers for Change keeps local areas clean
79% of Queenslanders participate in the scheme

The full report can be viewed here.

COEX Interim Chief Executive Officer Trevor Evans said Keep Australia Beautiful Week was a reminder that the places we value most don’t stay beautiful by accident.

“What this research tells us is that Queenslanders care deeply about the places around them and want practical ways to make a positive difference,” Mr Evans said.

“While the 10-cent refund provides a financial incentive, the stronger takeaway is that people are participating in the scheme because they want to do the right thing for the environment and help keep their communities clean.”

Erin Core, Managing Director of Veracity, said the report demonstrated the important role behaviour change programs play in creating cleaner, more sustainable communities.

“The Environmental Behaviours Report provides important insights into how Queenslanders think about environmental action and the practical steps they’re taking in their everyday lives,” Ms Core said.

“What’s particularly encouraging is that Queenslanders aren’t just expressing concern about environmental issues, they’re acting on them through recycling their containers.

“We’re proud to partner with Containers for Change to help establish a benchmark that can be tracked over time, providing valuable insights into attitudes, motivations and behaviour change across Queensland.”

This Keep Australia Beautiful Week, Containers for Change is encouraging Queenslanders to think about the places that matter to them and how container recycling can help keep those spaces clean. For more information on how to return your eligible containers, visit the Containers for Change website.

About the Environmental Behaviours Report 2026

The Environmental Behaviours Report 2026 is an independent study commissioned by COEX and conducted by Veracity.

The research surveyed more than 5,000 Queensland residents aged 18 years and older and examines environmental attitudes, recycling behaviours and perceptions of Containers for Change.

The inaugural report was released during Keep Australia Beautiful Week 2026 and is set to be published annually, providing an ongoing snapshot of how Queenslanders are engaging with recycling.

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