Customer FAQ
Why is Containers for Change now accepting lids on 10¢ containers?
WARRRL has determined that leaving lids on containers presents minimal risk to processing, while also improving access and convenience for customers. This decision follows an assessment of operational considerations over the past five years, in consultation with our recycling and logistics partners.
Caps from empty containers can now be left on. Those containers can be counted and sorted directly into your collection infrastructure.
Will loose 10¢ container lids still be accepted?
WARRRL remains committed to recycling 10¢ container lids in line with our WA State Government obligations. Lids will continue to be recycled as per the usual recycling process. and refund points will continue capturing any loose lids that arrive separately at their depots.
Why is the policy implemented?
The policy is changing to ensure that WARRRL processes align with evolving recycling practices. WARRRL has also made the decision to update the policy based on feedback from the refund point network and to better the experience for the customer.
Is it better to leave the lids on the bottle or to remove them?
If the bottle is empty of its contents, the lid is best to be kept on the bottle.
When will this change come into effect?
Tuesday 1st of July 2025
RPO FAQ
Why is Containers for Change now accepting lids on 10¢ containers?
WARRRL has determined that leaving lids on 10¢ containers presents minimal risk to processing, while also improving access and convenience for customers.
How do I sign the Compliance Declaration?
The Compliance Declaration can be signed electronically using the editable Pdf template provided or printed.
To sign the Compliance Declaration, the organisation’s final decision maker needs to check (þ) the box for each statement that is true and correct.
If the Operator has not selected any of the statements that demonstrate compliance or is unable to provide sufficient information to demonstrate compliance, the Operator must check the box which indicates that they have not met the compliance requirements and provide an explanation including a timeframe for completing the outstanding requirements.
Who can sign the Compliance Declaration?
The Compliance Declaration must be signed by the organisation’s final decision maker – for example, owner, chairperson, CEO (same process as for the Annual Stat Declaration) or provide sufficient documentation to support formal delegation of authority to another signatory.
Who can be an authorised witness?
As per the Oaths, Affidavits and Statutory Declarations Act 2005 (WA), an authorised witness is a person who can witness the making of a statutory declaration.
These witnesses include, but are not limited to, Justices of the Peace, accountants, experienced lawyers, and public notaries.
When will this change come into effect?
Tuesday 1st of July 2025
Can 10¢ containers still be recycled with lids on?
The lids are recycled by the same plastic recyclers who currently recycle containers. The lid plastic is separated from the bottle plastic and used for other packaging products.
What should I tell customers?
No communication with customers is required from Refund Point Operators. However, refund points must no longer instruct customers to remove lids from 10¢ containers. Our goal is to make the returning of containers as easy as possible.
Are caps and lids the same thing ? Yes, caps and lids are the same things.
Where should Refund Point Operators place loose lids?
Any bucket, reusable bag or box with small openings (to prevent bags of lids or ineligible lids being added), is more than sufficient and can be easily decanted into the larger loose lid bins or the collection bags provided by WARRRL.
What could be the impact on logistics?
Less compaction means there may be more pickups necessary and thus extra truck movement at refund points.
Should we accept lids from non-eligible containers?
Lids from containers without the 10¢ mark must not be accepted.
Will corks be accepted in lid bins if/when the scheme is expanded to accept champagne bottles?
We will issue more directions and details when the scheme expansion happens.
Will loose 10¢ container lids still be accepted?
Yes, WARRRL remains committed to recycling 10¢ container lids in line with our WA State Government obligations. If lids are returned separately, we encourage all refund points to continue recycling lids as per normal.
What do I do if containers with lids are not empty?
Non-empty containers must be dealt with as follows:
If it is safe to do so, remove the lid and empty the container. The lid can then either be screwed back on the bottle or added to the loose lids collection infrastructure.
If it isn’t safe to do so, do not remove the lid and dispose of the container appropriately.
What should I do with my Lids Off posters?
Lids off posters should be recycled in your recycling bins where possible.
When is too much liquid in the bottle?
Any liquid over the very last remainder of contents is too much and will need to be emptied out – if safe to do so.
Can I remove liquid via other means, i.e.. slicing the bottle, piercing it?
No, this can cause extra hazards and may result in injury.
How can you tell if the contamination can be removed or not?
- If the liquid is a different colour to the original contents, or it’s not clear what it might be (for example it is thicker, black, or contains solids) then the container would be deemed excluded.
- Needles and other drug paraphernalia should not be touched or removed from the bottle.
- Any item or substance that does not look like the original liquid should not be removed.
- Anything that has a bad odour (without having to open the bottle) should not be removed.
- If the container is covered in any substance that isn’t the original liquid it should be disposed of appropriately.
What impact might lids staying on have on my refund points site?
It is possible that more logistics movements may be required due to reduced compaction in the rear lift trucks or onsite compaction of containers with lids.
This will be a minimal increase and any changes to your site’s collection frequency will be communicated appropriately.
Please review your traffic management plan to allow for pick-ups that may take place during opening hours. Any changes to your traffic management plans must be communicated to WARRRL and the logistics providers for consultation and approval before carrying them out.