Knowledge Base

The CDS & Urban Mining
Knowledge Hub

Evidence-based research, explainers, data and policy analysis on Australia's container deposit schemes, recycling economics and the urban mining opportunity.

Urban Mining: Turning Everyday Waste Into Valuable Resources
Urban Mining

Urban Mining: Turning Everyday Waste Into Valuable Resources

Billions of dollars in aluminium, gold, copper and steel sit in Australian landfill and litter every year. Urban mining is the emerging industry unlocking it.

Urban MiningCircular Economy
E

May 2026

6 min read
Container Return Rates: How Each Australian State Compares
Impact & Data

Container Return Rates: How Each Australian State Compares

With a national 85% target still out of reach, we break down the return rates for every state and territory, what's driving the gaps, and what strong performance looks like.

DataCDSRecovery Rates
E

Apr 2026

5 min read
Australia's E-Waste Crisis: $4.2B in Material Lost Every Year
Urban Mining

Australia's E-Waste Crisis: $4.2B in Material Lost Every Year

Electronic waste is the fastest-growing waste stream in the world. Australia discards billions in recoverable commodities annually. Here's the scale of the problem.

E-WasteUrban Mining
E

Apr 2026

7 min read
How to Return Containers: Every Method Explained (RVMs, Depots, Bag Drop & More)
How To

How to Return Containers: Every Method Explained (RVMs, Depots, Bag Drop & More)

There are six ways to return your containers and claim your 10c refund. We break down every method — including home pickup, charity donation and bag drop.

How ToCDSRefund
E

Mar 2026

4 min read
What Happens to Unclaimed Container Deposits?
Policy & Research

What Happens to Unclaimed Container Deposits?

Over $400M in container deposits go unclaimed every year in Australia. We explain who collects that money, how it flows through the scheme, and what it means for consumers.

PolicyDepositsCDS
E

Mar 2026

6 min read
Gold, Silver & Copper: The Precious Metals Hidden in Your Recycling
Urban Mining

Gold, Silver & Copper: The Precious Metals Hidden in Your Recycling

Your old smartphone contains more gold per tonne than a gold mine. The case for recovering precious metals from consumer electronics at scale.

Precious MetalsUrban MiningE-Waste
E

Feb 2026

5 min read
Why Awareness Isn't Enough: The Behavioural Economics of Recycling
Policy & Research

Why Awareness Isn't Enough: The Behavioural Economics of Recycling

Most Australians support recycling. Far fewer consistently do it. The science of why participation gaps exist — and what actually closes them.

Behavioural ScienceParticipationResearch
E

Feb 2026

7 min read
The 10c Recycling Games

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