Every year, billions of drink containers are collected through CDS that might otherwise have ended up as litter or landfill. Because they come back clean and sorted, the material is higher quality than kerbside-recycled material, making it easier to recycle into new bottles and cans.
Container Deposit Schemes (CDS), also known as Container Refund Schemes, make it easy to recycle drink containers and get your 10-cent refund. When you buy an eligible drink, the deposit is included in the price and refunded when you return the empty container to a collection point.
Most drink containers between 150ml and 3 litres qualify, but this differs in each state and territory.
Every state and territory runs its own scheme, each with slightly different names and processes, but the idea is the same.
Hover over a state or territory to see its name, click to visit its official scheme website.
Each scheme runs slightly differently, but the 10c refund is the same wherever you are in Australia.
Scan and accept containers on the spot.
Walk-in or drive-through to count bulk returns.
Drop a bag and get your refund later.
Often run out of community centres, with a cash refund
Available in some areas for large quantities.
Available at some over-the-counter and depot locations.
Give to charities, schools, sports or community groups.
See how aluminium, glass, liquid paperboard and PET plastic each become something new.
Set up a dedicated recycling bin or collection bag at home to make returning containers easy for the whole family.
Set up a dedicated recycling bin or collection bag at home to make returning containers easy for the whole family.