Refunds provided for recycling drink bottles could be provided by entry in a prize draw, coupons or debit card.
The Queensland government has asked people to comment on a discussion paper ahead of the introduction of a container refund scheme from July 1, 2018.
The plan to allow Queenslanders to swap containers for cash was announced in July 2016.
Under the scheme, it was expected that a 10 cent refund would be provided for empty drink containers - between 150mL and 3L - that were returned to an approved refund point.
It is designed to reduce the impact of drink container litter on the environment.
Most aluminium, glass, PET, HDPE, steel and liquid paperboard drink containers will be covered by the scheme.
But containers for plain milk, wine bottles, plastic wine bladders and larger juice containers will be exempt.
The paper says the refund could be provided by cash, credit/ debit card or PayPal credit, redemption coupon through retail stores, loyalty reward program, transport or power card top-up or prize draw.
"The legislation will provide flexibility for the container refund point operator to choose how they want to make the refund payment," the paper reads.
"Refunds for commercial volumes of containers may need to be made via bank credit rather than cash. This would reduce the amount of cash held at premises at any given time."
Community organisations will also benefit from the scheme, with schools, sporting clubs and charities able to host container return points and keep the refunds.
Environment Minister Steven Miles said Queensland's recycling rate was about 44 per cent, one of the country's lowest.
"By introducing a 10 per cent refund for every eligible drink container, we can decrease little and waste, reduce the risk to wildlife, increase recycling, create employment opportunities and raise money for charitable causes - or let the kids raise pocket money," Dr Miles said.
Container collection will be hosted at permanent, temporary and mobile sites, including "reverse vending machines" and automated counting and sorting technology considered.
Drinks suppliers will be responsible for covering the costs of the scheme, including the refund payment, handling, processing and transport fees.
Almost three billion bottles and cans are used in Queensland every year, with the scheme aimed at reducing the amount of waste going to landfill and improve recycling rates.
South Australia has had a scheme since the 1970s, Northern Territory in 2011 and New South Wales' scheme will begin in 2017.
The scheme would have a coordinator to report performance measures, ensure financial accountability and transparency to prevent fraud.
Submissions on the discussion paper close on March 20.
A bill will be introduced to amend the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act to outline how it will work, eligible containers, the amount of the refund payment, approval criteria for refund point operators and offences and penalties.
The Queensland scheme will aim to be consistent with the New South Wales scheme, to avoid confusion.
Reverse vending machine trial
For a sneak peak of how the scheme could work, a reverse vending machine will be trialled in the food court at 400 George St from February 27.
The machine crushes aluminium cans and plastic bottles - no glass bottles - and spits out a receipt for charity.
The trial will run for three months, with the possibility of extension to the end of the year.
Dr Miles said the trial was designed to familiarise people with the types of reverse vending machines that could be used from July 2018.
"For the purposes of the trial, people placing their cars and bottles into the RVM won't receive a 10 cent refund," Dr Miles said.
"Instead they will be able to choose, through the RVM itself, to direct their 10 cents to one of three charities - RSPCA, Clean Up Australia and Endeavour Foundation."
Building manager Knight Frank and Environment and Heritage Protection will then make a contribution to the charities based on the number of containers collected.
For example, if 2000 containers per month were collected, $200 would be donated, split between the charities people chose.
The department is also looking into the possibility of a mobile machine that could be taken to shows and events ahead of the start of the scheme.
The possibility of installing RVMs in other locations is also being considered.
"This may depend on the response to the trial of this machine," Dr Miles said.
