Understanding Containers for Change WA’s Role in Western Australia

Containers for Change WA operates Western Australia’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS), providing a refund of 10 cents for each eligible beverage container returned to one of the state’s approved collection points. The scheme is coordinated by Western Australia Return Recycle Renew (WARRRL) and is supported by the Western Australia Government through the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).

Containers for Change WA operates over 260 refund points, including depots, bag drop locations, and reverse vending machines. They play a central role in reducing litter, promoting recycling, and supporting the state’s circular economy goals. It operates in alignment with national environmental objectives led by DCCEEW.

Industry Stewardship and Compliance

As the scheme coordinator, WARRRL manages the performance of container refund points, ensures data transparency, and supports stakeholder compliance through digital reporting and operational standards. The scheme integrates return site management systems, fraud detection, and real-time performance monitoring to uphold accountability and reduce inefficiencies across the network.

Governance and Environmental Impact

Governed by DCCEEW, Containers for Change WA contributes directly to Western Australia’s Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy 2030, which emphasizes material recovery, landfill reduction, and citizen engagement. By diverting hundreds of millions of containers from landfills and waterways each year, the program supports statewide waste minimization targets.

The scheme’s investments in consumer engagement, digital refund platforms, and insights & analytics contribute to a responsive, measurable, and future-ready container recovery system. These innovations ensure that WA’s CDS is not only compliant but also progressive and people-centric.