Get cash back for recycling
A Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) is a recycling scheme for certain types of bottles, cans and cartons that anyone can use to receive a 10c refund per container recycled. Every state and territory in Australia has a CDS.
The CDS is a piece of environmental legislation that has far-reaching environmental, financial and social benefits. Beverage suppliers bear the cost of the scheme so that recyclers can process larger amounts of containers and individuals can get involved in actions that benefit their communities and the environment.
How to use Container Deposit Schemes
Eligible containers can be taken to a collection depot or placed in a reverse vending machine to claim money for the container. Click the map below to find information about the CDS in your state or territory.New South Wales
The NSW container deposit scheme, Return and Earn, commenced across NSW on 1 December 2017.
What's Covered?
Most drink containers between 150ml and 3L that display a NSW CDS label can be returned.
From the commencement of the scheme in NSW all beverage suppliers and retailers must sell eligible beverage containers that display the required EPA approved CDS labelling, to be developed in the coming months.
What's Not Covered?
- Plain/unflavoured milk (or milk substitute) containers (cartons
HOW TO USE THE CONTAINER DEPOSIT SCHEME IN YOUR STATE
Click the map below to find information about the container deposit scheme in your state or territory.
New South Wales
The NSW container deposit scheme, Return and Earn, commenced across NSW on 1 December 2017.
What's Covered?
Most drink containers between 150ml and 3L that display a NSW CDS label can be returned.
From the commencement of the scheme in NSW all beverage suppliers and retailers must sell eligible beverage containers that display the required EPA approved CDS labelling, to be developed in the coming months.
What's Not Covered?
- Plain/unflavoured milk (or milk substitute) containers (cartons, glass or plastic)
- Flavoured milk containers 1 litre or more
- Pure fruit or vegetable juice containers 1 litre or more
- Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I return containers for 10c refund?
Container Deposit Schemes are run by independent entities in each state and territory in Australia. Find information about recycling locations via your state or territory's Container Deposit Operator.
Australian Capital Territory – ACT CDS
New South Wales – Return and Earn
Northern Territory – NT CDS
Queensland – Containers For Change
South Australia – SA EPA
Tasmania – Recycle Rewards
Victoria – CDS VIC
Western Australia – Containers For ChangeWho pays the 10c refund?
Beverage suppliers bear the cost of the scheme so that recyclers can process larger amounts of containers and individuals can get involved in actions that benefit their communities and the environment.
It is an example of the beverage industry takes greater responsibility for its packaging after it has been sold. Beverage suppliers must ensure that a system is in place for the recovery and recycling of their empty beverage containers. This is one of the many ways to contribute to a circular economy.Why can’t I refund wine or alcohol bottles?
The eligibility of certain containers through CDS are dependent on the approval of state government or network operator approval. Certain containers may not meet eligibility requirements for proper recycling or the beverage suppliers for these materials may yet be scheme members to contribute to the refund. CDS may also be a state government initiative to reduce litter and therefore prioritise drink containers that users will most likely have when they are out of home.
Even though they may not be eligible for refund, they may still be able to be recycled through your regular at home, kerbside recycling services. Check for the Australasian Recycling Label, or with your local council, to see if those materials can be recycled.Why can’t I recycle certain containers?
Some containers may not have the 10c refund symbol on them. Other containers may display a 10c refund symbol but may not be eligible in your state or territory. These containers may not have been approved by the state government or network operator – or the brand may not have registered the container in the scheme properly.
Do returned containers get recycled?
Yes! Containers recycled through CDS are turned into higher quality materials and products, than containers collected through co-mingled recycling services (such as your household recycling bin collected by your council).
This is because the glass, aluminium, and plastic containers that are collected through CDS are more efficiently sorted and kept separate to prevent contamination. Once collected they are sent to Material Recovery Facilities and specialty recycling facilities for reprocessing into new products.Can I get a refund for crushed containers?
No, the barcodes for recycled containers need to be visible to be eligible for a refund through Container Deposit Schemes. Crushed cans, removed labels, or otherwise illegible barcodes cannot be processed for refund purposes. These containers can still be recycled, however.
Can I recycle bottle caps through CDS?
No, bottle caps for certain containers, namely glass, cannot be deposited in CDS return points. This is because they are made of different materials than the collected container and cannot be recycled at the specialty recycling facilities. They can also get stuck in recycling machines and cause considerable damage.
Always check the Australasian Recycling Label on your drink container and follow the instructions to recycle right.
