ACT Container Deposit Expands Eligible Containers
The ACT Government is delivering on its election commitment to expand the ACT Container Deposit Scheme (CDS), which will see an increase in the range of containers eligible for a 10-cent refund.
"Since the scheme commenced in 2018 there have been more than 430 million containers returned via local return points which adds up to more than $43 million in the pockets of ACT residents and community organisations," said Suzanne Orr, Minister for Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water.
"There are now container deposit schemes across every jurisdiction in Australia which are hugely popular and have resulted in cleaner and better recycling outcomes that support a more circular economy."
The ACT CDS currently accepts most aluminium cans, glass and plastic bottles, and cartons from juice boxes and flavoured milk labelled with the 10-cent refund mark. Following the expansion, the ACT CDS will grow to include most containers between 150 millilitres and 3 litres such as most:
Community consultation showed that over 90% of participants were in favour of expanding the scheme. Most respondents saw the expansion as an opportunity to generate more income for themselves or local schools, charities, sporting clubs, and community groups.
"We expect the expansion will result in an additional 8 million containers collected and 400 tonnes of recyclable material being diverted from landfill in the first year and this will increase over time. Expanding the scheme will reduce waste and improve the recovery and circularity of our precious resources," said Minister Orr.
The expanded ACT CDS will commence no earlier than mid-2027, giving the beverage industry time to adjust and allowing return points and systems to get ready for collecting and processing the new containers. The expansion will align with the expansion of the New South Wales 'Return and Earn' scheme and will see the ACT join other jurisdictions across Australia that are also expanding their schemes.
The new containers will not be accepted at return points until then, and the community is encouraged to keep recycling these containers in their yellow-recycling bins until the expanded CDS is launched.
Over the coming months, the ACT Government will prepare an updated regulation which will enable an expanded range of containers to enter the ACT CDS. The ACT Government will continue to work with industry and scheme partners to implement these changes.
https://www.cmtedd.act.gov.au/open_government/inform/act_government_media_releases/suzanne-orr-mla-media-releases/2026/recycling-that-makes-cents-the-act-container-deposit-scheme-prepares-to-expand-range-of-eligible-containers
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