Australian Container Deposit Schemes: State-by-State 10-Cent Refund Programs
Reference for Australia's container deposit schemes (CDS) operating in all states and territories with a uniform 10-cent refund per eligible beverage container.
This is a regulated fee — required or governed by law in the jurisdictions below.
Overview
All eight Australian states and territories operate container deposit schemes (CDS) with a uniform 10-cent refund per eligible beverage container. South Australia pioneered the concept in 1977, and Tasmania became the final state to launch in May 2025, making Australia the first continent fully covered by deposit-return programs. The schemes cover most glass, plastic, aluminum, steel, and paper-based beverage containers from 150ml to 3 liters. Producers and importers must register with their state scheme operator and pay container recovery fees.
Fee schedule by jurisdiction
8 jurisdictions with active fee requirements.
| Jurisdiction | Fee |
|---|---|
| South Australia | 10¢ per container |
| Northern Territory | 10¢ per container |
| New South Wales (Return and Earn) | 10¢ per container |
| Australian Capital Territory | 10¢ per container |
| Queensland (Containers for Change) | 10¢ per container |
| Western Australia (Containers for Change) | 10¢ per container |
| Victoria | 10¢ per container |
| Tasmania (Recycle Rewards) | 10¢ per container |
South Australia
10¢ per container
Most beverage containers 150ml–3L
Australia's oldest deposit scheme
Effective Jan 1, 1977
Northern Territory
10¢ per container
Most beverage containers 150ml–3L
Effective Jan 3, 2012
New South Wales (Return and Earn)
10¢ per container
Most beverage containers 150ml–3L
Effective Dec 1, 2017
Australian Capital Territory
10¢ per container
Most beverage containers 150ml–3L
Effective Jun 30, 2018
Queensland (Containers for Change)
10¢ per container
Most beverage containers 150ml–3L
Effective Nov 1, 2018
Western Australia (Containers for Change)
10¢ per container
Most beverage containers 150ml–3L
Effective Oct 1, 2020
Victoria
10¢ per container
Most beverage containers 150ml–3L
Effective Nov 1, 2023
Tasmania (Recycle Rewards)
10¢ per container
Most beverage containers 150ml–3L
Final Australian state to launch; completed full continental coverage
Effective May 1, 2025
Enforcement
Beverage producers and importers who fail to register with their state's CDS operator or pay container recovery fees face enforcement from state environmental protection agencies, including fines and prohibition from selling beverages in the state.
Official sources
Shopify compliance
This is a mandatory fee — merchants selling in covered jurisdictions are legally required to collect it. Shopify requires that mandatory fees be clearly disclosed to customers before checkout. Use a Shopify app like Magical Fees to automate collection and ensure compliance.
This information is maintained by the Magical Apps team and reviewed annually. Always consult official government sources for the most current requirements.
Quick facts
- Regulation
- State and Territory Container Deposit Scheme Legislation
- Country
- Australia
- Jurisdictions
- 8
- Category
- Container Deposits
Explore Australian Container Deposit Schemes in practice
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Related use cases
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Canadian Provincial Container Deposit Programs
Reference for Canadian provincial container deposit-return programs covering refundable deposits on bottles, cans, and other beverage containers across all provinces with active programs.
View fee schedule →GermanyGerman Pfand (Deposit-Return System)
A reference for Germany's Pfandpflicht deposit-return system. Covers Einweg (single-use) and Mehrweg (reusable) container deposit amounts and the beverages they apply to.
View fee schedule →European UnionEU Deposit Return Schemes (DRS) Rollout
Reference for deposit return schemes (DRS) across the European Union. Multiple member states have launched or are launching DRS under the Single Use Plastics Directive; rates and scope vary by country.
View fee schedule →HungaryHungary Deposit Return Scheme (MOHU)
Reference for Hungary's national deposit return scheme operated by MOHU, requiring a refundable 50 HUF deposit on single-use glass, plastic, and aluminum beverage containers.
View fee schedule →IrelandIreland Deposit Return Scheme (Re-Turn)
Reference for Ireland's national deposit return scheme (Re-Turn), requiring refundable deposits of 15–25 cents on PET plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and steel cans sold in Ireland.
View fee schedule →NetherlandsNetherlands Statiegeld (Deposit-Return System)
Reference for the Netherlands' Statiegeld deposit-return system requiring refundable deposits of €0.15–€0.25 on plastic bottles and aluminum cans.
View fee schedule →Ready to get started?
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