Container Deposit Scheme Australia 🍾: Recently, Tasmania introduced Recycle Rewards, which will begin on the first day of May in which Tasmanians will be able to claim a 10-cent refund for each eligible bottle or can returned to a designated collection point, with the option to receive the refund in cash or donate it to a charity or local sporting club. Of course, this got our gears grinding, prompting us here at Waster to do a blog where we assist Australians in locating the most accessible container deposit scheme for them. 

There’s something oddly satisfying about dropping a used bottle or can into a reverse vending machine and hearing that clink, knowing it won’t end up in landfill, and you’ll get a few cents back too.

Across Australia, container deposit schemes ( or CDS, in short) have quietly become a small but powerful part of people’s daily recycling habits. Whether it’s kids collecting cans for pocket money or families sorting bottles after a weekend at the ‘barbie’, these programs are helping shift the way we think about waste.

A container deposit scheme works by placing a small refundable deposit—usually 10 cents—on eligible drink containers at the point of sale. When the container is returned to an approved collection point, the refund is given back. It’s a simple, incentive-based system that has proven to reduce litter and increase recycling rates dramatically.

In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at all the current container deposit schemes operating across Australia — where they are available, how they work and what makes each one unique.

>Download Now: Free PDF Business Owners Guide To Commingled Recycling Bin Services

 

All available container deposit schemes in Australia

The Australian Beverages Council has played a key role in shaping the rollout of container deposit schemes across the country.

As the peak industry body representing non-alcoholic beverage companies in Australia, the Council has been actively involved in the development, design and ongoing implementation of these container deposit schemes in partnership with state governments and environmental groups.

True to its name, rather than resisting the shift toward container refunds, the Council has worked to ensure that schemes are practical, cost-effective and aligned with both environmental goals and industry capabilities.

Their involvement has helped streamline the logistics of container collection. They have also helped minimise disruption to retailers and producers and ensure that consumers have a positive experience when returning their bottles and cans.

By contributing to scheme designs that are consistent and efficient, the Australian Beverages Council is helping to ensure container deposit schemes continue to grow in effectiveness, reducing litter, increasing recycling rates and promoting a more circular economy.

Currently, the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Northern Territory, South Australia, Queensland, Victoria, Western Australia and most recently, Tasmania, have such programs. Here’s a bit of an overview of their respective container deposit schemes.

 

ACT container deposit scheme

The ACT Container Deposit Scheme (ACT CDS), launched on 30 June 2018, aims to reduce litter and divert beverage containers from landfill. Under this scheme:

  • Eligible Containers: Most glass, plastic, aluminium, steel and paper-based cartons between 150 millilitres and 3 litres are accepted.

  • Refund: Consumers receive a 10-cent refund for each eligible container returned.

  • Return Options: Refunds can be received as cash, electronic transfers or donated to charities or community groups.

 

Collection Points: The scheme offers various return options:

  • Drop & Go Points

  • Drop & Go Pods

  • Cash-back Depots

 

Operators:

  • Scheme Coordinator: Exchange for Change manages the financial operations, marketing, community education and ensures the integrity of the scheme through audit and risk management.

  • Return Point Operator: Return-It operates both depot and express (Drop & Go) return points across the ACT.

For Beverage Suppliers: Manufacturers, distributors, importers, contract bottlers or retailers supplying beverage containers in the ACT may be considered “First Suppliers.” Such entities are required to register their business for the ACT CDS. Detailed information and registration steps are available on the Exchange for Change website.

 

Australia’s NSW container deposit scheme

Launched on December 1, 2017, the New South Wales Container Deposit Scheme in Australia, known as Return and Earn, aims to reduce litter and promote recycling by offering a 10-cent refund for eligible beverage containers.

​

Key Features:

  • Eligible Containers: Most beverage containers between 150 ml and 3 litres, including glass, plastic, aluminium, steel and liquid paperboard.​

  • Ineligible Containers: Plain milk or milk substitute containers, flavoured milk containers of 1 litre or more, pure fruit or vegetable juice containers of 1 litre or more, glass containers for wine and spirits, casks for wine and water of 1 litre or more, sachets for wine of 250 mL or more, containers for cordials or concentrated juices and registered health tonics.​

Operational Structure:

  • Scheme Coordinator: Exchange for Change oversees financial management, auditing, fraud prevention, community education and marketing. They also manage beverage supplier agreements and ensure proper funding into the scheme.​

  • Network Operator: TOMRA Cleanaway is responsible for establishing and operating a statewide network of return points, managing logistics and ensuring collected containers are recycled.​

Participation:

Beverage suppliers selling products in NSW must register eligible containers and enter a supply agreement with the scheme coordinator.​

Return Points:

Over 600 return points are available across NSW, including reverse vending machines, over-the-counter sites and automated depots.

 

NT CDS

The Northern Territory has implemented a Container Deposit Scheme to encourage recycling and reduce litter. So, residents can return eligible beverage containers to approved collection depots and receive a 10-cent refund per container.

​

Key Features:

  • Management: The Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority (NT EPA) administers the scheme under the Environment Protection (Beverage Containers and Plastic Bags) Act 2011.​

  • Eligible Containers: Containers must be clean, uncrushed, have no lids and be sorted by material type. Approved containers will display one of the following refund markings:

    • “10c refund at collection depots/points in participating State/Territory of purchase”

    • “10c refund at SA/NT collection depots in State/Territory of purchase”

    • “10c refund at collection depots when sold in NT”​

  • Collection Depots: A network of collection depots is available throughout the Northern Territory for residents to return their containers.

 

QLD CDS​

Launched on 1 November 2018, Queensland’s Container Refund Scheme, known as Containers for Change, incentivises recycling by offering a 10-cent refund for each eligible beverage container returned.

Key Features:

  • Eligible Containers: Most aluminium, glass, plastic, steel and liquid paperboard beverage containers between 150ml and 3 litres are eligible for a refund.

  • Refund Points: At its inception, the scheme had over 309 container refund points across the state, with the number continuing to grow to ensure accessibility for all Queenslanders.

  • Expansion: On 1 November 2023, the scheme expanded to include glass wine and spirit bottles, broadening the range of recyclable containers. 

Administration:

The scheme is managed by Container Exchange (COEX), a not-for-profit organisation appointed by the Queensland Government. COEX is responsible for the development, implementation and operation of the scheme, ensuring its effectiveness and efficiency. ​

Environmental and Community Impact:

With Queenslanders consuming over three billion beverage containers annually, the scheme plays a significant role in reducing litter and promoting recycling. It also provides opportunities for community groups and charities to raise funds through container donations.

 

SA container deposit scheme

Introduced in 1977, South Australia’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) is the longest-running product stewardship program in Australia. It has significantly contributed to reducing litter, increasing resource recovery and minimising waste sent to landfill.

Key Features:

  • Refund Value: A 10-cent deposit and refund apply to most beverage containers.​

  • Eligible Containers: Includes most beverage containers; however, some are excluded, such as glass bottles for wine and spirits, all containers for plain milk and large containers (over one litre) for pure fruit juice and flavoured milk. ​

  • Return Rate: In the 2022–23 period, the overall return rate of beverage containers in South Australia was 76%. ​

 

Administration and Oversight:

The scheme is administered under the Environment Protection Act 1993 by the South Australian Environment Protection Authority (SA EPA). The SA EPA commenced a review of the CDS in 2019 to enhance its effectiveness, considering changes in container types, consumer preferences, technology and recycling markets. ​

For Beverage Suppliers:

Beverage containers must be approved by the SA EPA before distribution or sale in South Australia. This includes assessment of refund markings and the suitability of the Waste Management Arrangement (WMA) to ensure the 10-cent refund is available upon return and that containers are collected for recycling. ​

Additional Resources:

  • A comprehensive list of eligible containers and an interactive map of approved collection depots are available on the SA EPA website.

 

Tasmania CDS

Tasmania’s long-awaited Recycle Rewards container deposit scheme launches on 1 May 2025. This allows people to redeem 10 cents per eligible bottle or can.

However, beverage suppliers will be charged around 21–22 cents per container. Expect retailers, down to the consumers, to shoulder these costs. Retailers, including major chains like Woolworths and Coles, have warned of drink price increases, whilst small business owners are concerned about the financial burden and lack of clear information.

Industry representatives say it’s the biggest challenge the local liquor sector has faced in 25 years, with expected declines in sales and confusion over redemption values. Tasmanian suppliers face higher costs compared to other states due to the island’s smaller market, transport challenges and lack of economies of scale.

Despite concerns, the government and scheme operator TasRecycle highlight the environmental benefits, aiming to reduce Tasmania’s high volume of container litter and promote recycling.

Australia’s VIC container deposit scheme

Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme, known as CDS Vic, officially launched on 1 November 2023. The scheme aims to reduce litter and improve recycling outcomes by offering a 10-cent refund for eligible beverage containers.

Key Components:

  • Regulation and Oversight:
    Recycling Victoria is the government regulator responsible for overseeing CDS Vic’s implementation, administration and performance.

  • Scheme Coordination:
    The not-for-profit VicReturn manages financial operations, fraud risk, community education and audits. It is funded by the beverage industry.

  • Zone Operators:
    Three zone operators — Return-It, TOMRA Cleanaway and Visy — manage the container collection infrastructure, facilitate refunds and ensure proper recycling across different geographic zones.

  • First Supplier Obligations:
    Any business that manufactures, distributes, sells or gives away beverages in eligible containers in Victoria must:

    • Register as a First Supplier with Recycling Victoria.

    • Enter into a supply agreement with VicReturn.

    • Register eligible containers for participation in the scheme.

 

Eligible Containers and Refunds:

  • Most non-alcoholic beverage containers between 150 ml and 3 litres are eligible.

  • People can claim refunds as:

    • Cash

    • Retail vouchers

    • Donations to registered charities or community groups

WA CDS

Western Australia’s Containers for Change program launched on 1 October 2020, making WA the fifth Australian jurisdiction to adopt a container deposit scheme, following South Australia, Northern Territory, New South Wales, ACT and Queensland.

How It Works:

  • Western Australians receive 10 cents per eligible beverage container returned at an approved refund point.

  • The scheme applies to most aluminium, glass, plastic, steel and liquid paperboard containers between 150 ml and 3 litres.

 

Scheme Objectives:

  • Boost the recovery and recycling of beverage containers

  • Reduce litter and waste sent to landfill

  • Promote product stewardship by requiring suppliers to take responsibility

  • Support social enterprises and benefit community organisations

  • Create job opportunities

  • Complement existing recycling systems

 

Administration:

WA Return Recycle Renew Ltd (WARRRL) operates the scheme, an independent not-for-profit appointed as scheme coordinator in July 2019. WARRRL oversees the refund network, ensures compliance and works under the direction of the state government.

More Information:

 

Contacting Waster

Looking for a specific bin service? Check out our waste recycling shop and find the best deals in terms of pricing and services.

Also, please call 1300 WASTER (1300 927 837), or email us at enquiries@waster.com.au if you have any further questions.

 

commingled recycling cta