Why Container Deposit Schemes are good for Australia

The best way to help empty bottles have another life is to recycle them via Container Deposit Schemes (CDS). Available in every state and territory in mainland Australia, (with Tasmania set to launch in 2025) CDS locations—ranging from reverse vending machines to staffed depots—accept your used bottles and cans, offering 10 cents in return for each eligible container and ensuring it is recycled. You can choose to keep the 10 cents or donate it to a local charity. Pretty nifty, right?  

Kerbside recycling is an easy way for most Australians to recycle their waste right from their homes. Unfortunately, when food scraps or non-recyclable items end up in the recycling bin it makes it harder for recyclers to clean and sort. 

Container Deposit Schemes (CDS) are especially effective because they ensure a clean waste stream.  

The containers can be easily sorted and sent for recycling. The containers are sorted, washed and shredded into flakes which can then be turned into recycled plastic resin. In recycling, 'resin' is the material used to make new plastic products like bottles and other containers.

Simply click on your state and enter your postcode to find out where to return your eligible bottles and cans to receive 10c per container. 

Whether you are neighbours in an apartment building or a group of charity volunteers, teaming up to collect and recycle cans and bottles through CDS really adds up. Those 10 cent returns can quickly turn into something bigger!