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How Cairns Recycling Increased Throughput and Improved Customer Experience with the BRT

When existing processes start limiting growth

Cairns Recycling at Portsmith had already invested in automation and was using Container Deposit Systems equipment as part of its operation. However, as container volumes continued to grow, particularly from commercial customers such as clubs and pubs, the team began to encounter challenges that made it harder to maintain efficient processing.

Large volumes of containers required significant manual handling, creating workflow inefficiencies and raising concerns around counting accuracy. As customer expectations increased, the business recognised the need for a solution that could process containers faster while maintaining trust in the counting process.

"Our main challenges were the slow processing of large commercial volumes, ongoing manual handling issues and concerns around count accuracy."
Brad Luders
Managing Director

Looking for speed, accuracy and flexibility

When evaluating options, Cairns Recycling reviewed a range of systems available in the market.

While processing speed was a key consideration, the team also needed a solution that could handle containers in less-than-perfect condition and support the specific requirements of their site.

After assessing available technologies, they selected the CDS Bulk Redemption Terminal (BRT).

Cairn recycling BRT operator

We looked at all the machines on the market. The BRT was the best fit because of its ability to accept deformed containers and the ability to customise to adapt the equipment to suit our site needs.

Immediate improvements from day one

Following installation, the impact was noticed quickly.

Processing times were reduced, allowing staff to focus less on repetitive manual tasks and more on supporting customers. The improvements also contributed to higher job satisfaction among team members.

“Staff job satisfaction improved, and processing times were reduced.”

One of the most noticeable outcomes was the way commercial loads could be handled more efficiently.

With less time spent processing bulk containers, staff gained more capacity to assist customers and manage other operational priorities throughout the day.

A better experience for customers

The benefits extended beyond internal operations.

Customers responded positively to the new system and quickly embraced the BRT as their preferred method for returning eligible containers.

“Customers prefer using the BRT over manual processing or ATR machines.”

The improved experience has also contributed to a stronger reputation in the local market.

“People come to use the machine instead of choosing sites that only offer manual processing.”

Creating capacity for future growth

For Cairns Recycling, the value of the BRT goes beyond operational efficiency.

By reducing processing bottlenecks and freeing up staff time, the business has been able to start planning for future growth with greater confidence.

“It’s created more time in the day for staff and enabled us to look at increasing our capacity.”

As container return volumes continue to grow across Australia, having scalable infrastructure in place is becoming increasingly important for depot operators looking to maintain service quality while managing higher throughput.

Key Outcomes

✅ Faster processing of commercial container volumes

✅ Reduced manual handling requirements

✅ Improved count accuracy and customer confidence

✅ Better staff satisfaction

✅ More time available for customer service

✅ Increased operational capacity for future growth

✅ Stronger customer preference compared with manual-only sites

About Cairns Recycling

With seven sites located in Queensland, Cairns Recycling provides container refund services to the local community and commercial customers throughout northern Qld. Following the installation of the CDS Bulk Redemption Terminal (BRT), the Portsmith site has improved processing efficiency while creating additional capacity for future growth.
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