Recycling in Australia has become easier and more rewarding thanks to the Container Deposit Scheme (CDS). Whether you are at home, at work, or enjoying a day out, you can now turn empty drink containers into small refunds while helping the environment.
In this guide, Kulnura Spring Glow Team breaks down what CDS is, how it works, and what you need to know across different states.
WHAT IS THE CONTAINER DEPOSIT SCHEME (CDS)?
The Container Deposit Scheme (CDS), also known as Container Refund Scheme (CRS) or Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), is a government-backed recycling initiative.
It is designed to reduce litter and increase recycling by giving consumers a financial incentive to return used beverage containers.
Instead of throwing bottles and cans into general waste, you can return them to designated collection points and receive a refund. At the same time, the scheme supports a circular economy, where materials are reused rather than wasted.
Image 1. People returned bottles and cans at a CDS depot in NSW (Tweed, 2019)
WHY CDS MATTERS
The Container Deposit Scheme is more than just a refund system. It plays a key role in:
- Reducing litter in public spaces
- Increasing recycling rates
- Producing cleaner, higher-quality recyclable materials
- Supporting a sustainable circular economy
Every returned bottle or can contributes to a cleaner environment and a more responsible future.
HOW DOES CDS WORK?
The process is simple and accessible:
- Purchase a drink in an eligible container
- Look for the “10c refund” mark on the label
- Return the empty container to a collection point
- Receive 10 cents per container
Image 2. CDS Diagram (Bay Council, n.d)
Eligible Containers
Most commonly accepted containers include:
- Plastic bottles
- Glass bottles
- Aluminium cans
- Steel cans
- Liquid paperboard cartons
These must typically be between 150 mL and 3 litres.
Non-Eligible Containers
Some items are usually excluded because they are less likely to become litter, such as:
- Plain milk containers
- Wine and spirit bottles (varies by state)
- Cordial bottles
- Large juice or flavoured milk containers
However, these rules are evolving as schemes expand across Australia.
CDS ACROSS AUSTRALIA
All states and territories in Australia now operate a container deposit scheme, but each has slightly different rules and systems.
New South Wales & Australian Capital Territory
These regions have well-established CDS programs with extensive return networks. Most eligible containers can be returned easily through reverse vending machines or depot centres.
Upcoming updates in the ACT aim to expand eligible containers to include items like wine bottles, cordial, and larger juice containers—bringing it closer in line with other states.
Queensland
Queensland operates a strong CDS program with wide participation. Recent administrative updates include changes to supplier payment timelines, improving operational processes behind the scheme.
Victoria
Victoria has more recently introduced its CDS and continues to expand. Ongoing improvements are focused on increasing accessibility and aligning accepted container types with other states.
South Australia
South Australia is a pioneer in container deposit schemes, having one of the longest-running systems in the world. It has consistently delivered high recycling rates and reduced litter significantly.
Western Australia
Western Australia’s CDS has grown rapidly, offering convenient refund points and strong community engagement in recycling efforts.
Northern Territory
The Northern Territory operates a CDS program tailored to regional needs, helping manage waste effectively across both urban and remote areas.
Tasmania
Tasmania’s scheme supports environmental sustainability while making it easy for residents to participate through accessible collection locations.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE RETURNING CONTAINERS
To make the most of the scheme, keep these practical tips in mind:
Check Eligibility
Look for the refund label or confirm through your state’s CDS website. Not all containers are accepted in every state.
Keep Containers in Good Condition
- Avoid crushing cans (some machines require intact items)
- Empty liquids before returning
- Follow local rules on lids and labels
- Sort Before You Go
Some collection points require containers to be sorted by material type, especially for bulk returns.
Choose the Right Return Point
- Reverse vending machines for quick returns
- Depots for large quantities
- Mobile or pop-up stations in some areas
Be Aware of State Differences
A container eligible in one state may not be accepted in another. For example, some products are registered only in specific regions.
KULNURA SPRING GLOW AND CDS
Kulnura Spring Glow is currently registered under the CDS programs in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.
This means eligible bottles can be returned at participating collection points within these regions for a 10-cent refund per container.
We are continuously working towards expanding registration across more states in Australia.
As a Central Coast-based spring water supplier, Kulnura Spring Glow is committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Our water is sourced from a protected Kulnura region, naturally filtered through ancient rock layers, and treated using micro-filtration and ozone processes without added chemicals.
