Queenslanders will be able return used containers to depots in shopping centres and receive 10 cents in return from 2018.

The "cash for containers" scheme – long supported by environmental groups trying to reduce plastic litter in rivers and oceans – was launched on Friday morning by Environment Minister Steven Miles.

Starting in 2018, Queenslanders will be able to get 10 cents for each drink can they take in for recycling. Credit:Michael Clayton-Jones

The money from recycling plastic, cans and cardboard containers could raise $25 million for community groups every year.

Greenpeace points out Australians use about 14 billion drink containers a year, but only about half were recycled. About one in three or one in four pieces of litter was a drink container.