An overview of container deposit schemes in Australia
What is a container deposit scheme?
A container deposit scheme is a recycling scheme that allows a refund to be obtained from eligible beverage containers by taking them to a collection depot. These schemes have several benefits, such as reducing litter, improving recycling rates, producing higher quality recycled products, and contributing to the creation of a circular economy.
All jurisdictions in Australia have established a container deposit scheme, except for Tasmania where a scheme is currently being developed. A breakdown of each jurisdiction’s container deposit scheme is explained further in the article.
How the scheme works
Each jurisdiction offers a 10-cent refund when eligible beverage containers are returned to a collection depot. Eligible containers are those that are commonly found as litter, including most glass, plastic, aluminium, steel and carton-based containers that are between 150 mL and 3 L.
Certain containers are not eligible for a refund, as they are usually consumed at home and therefore not commonly found as litter. This includes plain milk bottles or cartons, glass wine and spirit bottles (except in Queensland), cordial bottles, and larger containers which have contained flavoured milk, pure juice, cask wine or cask water.
Although these containers are ineligible for a refund, they can still be disposed of through regular recycling. Some jurisdictions are planning to expand the scope of their schemes, so there may be other containers that are eligible for a refund in the future.
Tips for returning containers
- An eligible beverage container will have the 10-cent refund mark, but you can also check the website for your jurisdiction’s container deposit scheme for specific eligibility requirements.
- Before returning containers, check if there are any requirements for their condition, for example whether cans must not be crushed, if lids can be kept or should be removed, and how clean the containers should be.
- Comply with any requirements for sorting containers before taking them to a refund point.
- Check what type of refund point is best for your circumstances, for example certain refund points may be more suitable if depositing a large amount of containers.
A breakdown of each jurisdiction’s container deposit scheme
Australian Capital Territory
The Australian Capital Territory container deposit scheme was introduced as a litter reduction initiative in 2018, but now has a greater focus on recycling outcomes and contributing to the circular economy.
There are five types of return points available in the ACT: reverse vending machines, cash-back depots, drop and go pods, drop and go points, and donation stations. See here for return point locations.
Further information:
ACT Container Deposit Scheme Webpage
ACT Container Deposit Scheme Webpage: Frequently Asked Questions
City Services Webpage: Container Deposit Scheme
New South Wales
The New South Wales container deposit scheme, known as Return and Earn, commenced in 2017 to help achieve the Premier’s goal of a 40% reduction in the volume of litter by 2020.
There are four types of return points under the Return and Earn scheme: reverse vending machines, automated depots, over the counter return points, and donation stations. See here for return point locations.
Further information:
EPA NSW Webpage: Return and Earn
Return and Earn Webpage
Northern Territory
The Northern Territory container deposit scheme commenced in 2012 to help reduce litter, increase recycling and reduce the amount of rubbish being disposed of to landfill.
Containers can be returned to collection depots, see here for locations.
Further information:
NT EPA Webpage: Container Deposit Scheme
Queensland
The Queensland container deposit scheme, Containers for Change, commenced in 2018 to help reduce litter by encouraging recycling of beverage containers. The scheme was expanded on 1 November 2023 to include glass wine and spirit bottles between 150 mL and 3 L.
Containers can be returned to one of the four types of container refund points in Queensland: depots, bag drops, reverse vending machines, and pop-ups. Alternatively, a collection service can be arranged through Container Collect. See here for container refund point locations and here to book a collection.
Further information:
Containers for Change QLD Webpage
Containers for Change QLD Webpage: Help
QLD Government Webpage: Containers for Change
South Australia
South Australia’s container deposit scheme commenced in 1977, making it the first Australian state or territory to have such a scheme. The scheme was introduced to reduce litter from beverage containers, but has undergone various changes and expanded its scope over time.
The refund can be obtained by taking eligible beverage containers to a collection depot, see here for locations.
Further information:
EPA SA Webpage: Container Deposit Scheme
EPA SA Webpage: Container Deposit Scheme FAQs
Tasmania
Tasmania is currently the only Australian state or territory that does not have a container deposit scheme, however there is a scheme called Recycle Rewards under development. The scheme’s objectives will be to support the development of a circular economy by reducing litter and increasing recycling. Eligible beverage containers will be able to be taken to a refund point to receive the 10-cent refund.
Further details about Recycle Rewards, including the commencement date, will be announced once the governing bodies have been selected and contracts are finalised.
Further information:
Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania Webpage: Recycle Rewards
Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania Webpage: Recycle Rewards FAQs
Victoria
Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme, CDS Vic, commenced in 2023 to help increase recycling and reduce litter.
There are four types of refund points in Victoria: reverse vending machines, depots, over-the-counter, and pop-ups. See here for refund point locations.
Further information:
CDS Vic Webpage
CDS Vic Webpage: Frequently Asked Questions
Victorian Government Webpage: Container Deposit Scheme
Western Australia
The Western Australia container deposit scheme, Containers for Change, commenced in 2020. The scheme’s goal is to reduce the number of empty beverage containers that are disposed of as litter or to landfill.
Containers can be returned to one of four types of refund points: depots, drop and go, self-serve kiosks, and pop-up depots. Containers can also be collected through Containers for Change Collect, a pick-up-on-demand service. See here for refund point locations and here to book a collection.
Further information:
Containers for Change WA Webpage
Containers for Change WA Webpage: Frequently Asked Questions
WA Government Webpage: Container Deposit Scheme
Using EnviroLaw to stay on top of your jurisdiction’s container deposit scheme requirements
Each jurisdiction has legal obligations in relation to container deposit schemes, including for claiming refunds, material recovery facility operators, beverage exporters and suppliers, and refund point operators. You can find summaries of these requirements under the Waste category of our online directory, EnviroLaw and notified of any updated legislation through our update email alert service. You can also stay informed about upcoming changes to the schemes and any other relevant news in our complimentary service, the HSE Bulletin.
Contact us to find out more or sign up for a free trial.
For more general information about container deposit schemes in Australia, see:
Clean Up Australia Webpage: Container Deposit Schemes
Planet Ark Webpage: Container Deposit Schemes