Subject Matter Authority
Australia's Container
Deposit Schemes
Eight jurisdictions. Eight schemes. One national target — 85% — that only one of them is hitting (NT at 88%). The other seven are stalling. Here's the complete picture, and why the 10c Recycling Games is the solution.
67%
National avg. return rate
85%
Legislated target
−18%
National shortfall
Data Notice: The statistics, return rates, container volumes, and financial figures on this page have been sourced from each jurisdiction's most recent publicly available annual reports, scheme publications, and government data (2023–2025). While we have made every effort to ensure accuracy, this information may not reflect the most current figures and should not be relied upon for formal research, policy, or investment decisions. We encourage readers to consult each scheme's official publications for verified data.
When Each State Joined
1977
2012
2017
2018
2018
2020
2023
2025
National CDS Opportunity
The gap to 85% — state by state
Australia's legislated target is 85%. Only the NT is hitting it. The amber columns show exactly how far each state falls short — and the additional refund value that sits unclaimed each year.
| State | Eligible Containers | Current Return Rate | Annual Payout (at current rate) | Unclaimed % (gap to 85%) | Additional Containers to Reach 85% | Additional Refund Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NT | ~118M | 88%Above | $10.4M | ✓ At target | None — above target | — |
| SA | ~880M | 75%Stalled | $66.0M | 10.0% | ~88.0M | $8.80M |
| NSW | ~3.24B | 68%Stalled | $220.3M | 17.0% | ~550.8M | $55.1M |
| QLD | ~3.28B | 67%Stalled | $219.8M | 18.0% | ~590.4M | $59.0M |
| WA | ~1.55B | 65.6%Stalled | $88.3M | 19.4% | ~440M | $44.0M |
| ACT | ~158M | 69%Growing | $10.9M | 16.0% | ~25.3M | $2.53M |
| VIC | ~3.0B | 53%Growing | $159.0M | 32.0% | ~960.0M | $96.0M |
| TAS | ~192M | 52%Growing | $10.0M | 33.0% | ~63.4M | $6.34M |
| TOTAL | ~12.1B | — | ~$776.4M | — | ~2.52B | ~$252.4M |
Eligible Containers
~118M
Current Return Rate
88%
Annual Payout
$10.4M
Gap to 85%
✓ At target
Additional Containers
None — above target
Additional Refund Value
—
Eligible Containers
~880M
Current Return Rate
75%
Annual Payout
$66.0M
Gap to 85%
10.0%
Additional Containers
~88.0M
Additional Refund Value
$8.80M
Eligible Containers
~3.24B
Current Return Rate
68%
Annual Payout
$220.3M
Gap to 85%
17.0%
Additional Containers
~550.8M
Additional Refund Value
$55.1M
Eligible Containers
~3.28B
Current Return Rate
67%
Annual Payout
$219.8M
Gap to 85%
18.0%
Additional Containers
~590.4M
Additional Refund Value
$59.0M
Eligible Containers
~1.55B
Current Return Rate
65.6%
Annual Payout
$88.3M
Gap to 85%
19.4%
Additional Containers
~440M
Additional Refund Value
$44.0M
Eligible Containers
~158M
Current Return Rate
69%
Annual Payout
$10.9M
Gap to 85%
16.0%
Additional Containers
~25.3M
Additional Refund Value
$2.53M
Eligible Containers
~3.0B
Current Return Rate
53%
Annual Payout
$159.0M
Gap to 85%
32.0%
Additional Containers
~960.0M
Additional Refund Value
$96.0M
Eligible Containers
~192M
Current Return Rate
52%
Annual Payout
$10.0M
Gap to 85%
33.0%
Additional Containers
~63.4M
Additional Refund Value
$6.34M
TOTAL
Total Eligible Containers
~12.1B
Total Annual Payout
~$776.4M
Additional Containers to 85%
~2.52B
Additional Refund Value
~$252.4M
~$1.03B
Full potential refund pool
If all states hit 85%
~$776.4M
Current annual refund pool
At current return rates across all 8 jurisdictions
~$252.4M
Unclaimed refunds to be unlocked
Additional value needed to reach 85%
~2.52B
Additional containers needed nationally
To reach the legislated 85% target
How Containers Are Returned
Every Return Channel — and What It Actually Costs
The 10c refund is the universal incentive — but how people return their containers varies wildly. From self-serve RVMs to doorstep pickups, here's every method, what you receive, and what third-party operators charge.
The convenience-vs-refund trade-off
Returning containers directly to a depot or RVM earns the full 10c. But home and workplace collection services charge a fee — typically 3c per container (e.g. Envirobank), meaning you receive ~7c instead of 10c. People trade 2–3c per container for the convenience of not visiting a refund point themselves.
Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs)
Self-serve machines at supermarkets, shopping centres and transit hubs. Scan your containers one at a time, receive cash voucher or digital refund via scheme member number.
Available: NSW, QLD, VIC, WA, TAS, ACT
Depots & Over-the-Counter
Staffed collection depots accept bulk returns — bags, boxes, crates. Receive cash on the spot, bank transfer via member number, or donate to a registered charity or community group.
Available: All states & territories
Bag Drop (with Member Number)
Drop pre-labelled bags at unmanned 24/7 bag drop points. Tag your bag with your scheme member number (or barcode) — containers are counted and refund is credited to your account automatically. No queuing, no sorting required.
Available: NSW, QLD, WA, VIC
Home Collection (Container Collect)
Third-party operators like Envirobank and COEX's Container Collect service pick up eligible containers from your doorstep. Envirobank charges a 3c per container service fee, meaning you receive 7c per container instead of 10c. COEX's Container Collect in QLD covers 1,000+ suburbs and is free to book — the operator's fee is deducted from your refund.
Available: QLD, NSW, VIC, WA (selected suburbs)
Workplace & Business Collection
Offices, restaurants, pubs, hotels and businesses can arrange scheduled pickups from operators or local refund points. Many workplaces set up bins and link returns to a charity via member number. Third-party collection operators (e.g. Envirobank, Re-Collect) typically deduct 2–3c per container for pickup logistics.
Available: QLD, NSW, VIC, WA
Stadiums, Events & Venues
Major stadiums, concerts, and events now separate CDS-eligible containers on-site. During the 2025 Australian Open, nearly 1 million containers were recycled through CDS Vic — worth ~$100,000 in returns. AFL Victoria and CDS Vic have partnered to provide collection infrastructure to community football clubs, some raising $3,000–$6,000+ per season.
Available: All states (growing rapidly)
Bin Baskets & Public Spaces
CDS Vic pioneered open-topped 'bin baskets' attached to public waste bins — allowing people to leave containers for others to collect rather than putting them in general waste. Councils, parks, hospitals, gyms and shopping centres are increasingly providing separate CDS bins. Anyone can collect from these and redeem the 10c.
Available: VIC (trials), expanding to other states
Charity & Community Group Donation
Every CDS in Australia allows returns to be donated to a registered charity, school, sports club or community group by entering their scheme ID at the refund point. In FY25, $19.4M was donated via Return and Earn NSW alone. QLD's Containers for Change has donated $17.9M to community groups to date.
Available: All states & territories
The infrastructure exists across every channel.
RVMs, depots, bag drops, home pickups, stadium bins, charity donations — every touchpoint is built. What's missing is the sustained behavioural motivation to use them. That's what The Recycling Games provides.
State-by-State Analysis
Full detail on every scheme — all expanded below.
Container Deposit Scheme (CDS)
South Australia · Active since 1977
75%
return rate
Coordinator
SA Environment Protection Authority (EPA)
Containers p.a.
~880M eligible
Refund Points
~132 depots
Scheme Overview
South Australia's Container Deposit Scheme is Australia's oldest CDS and one of the world's longest-running — operational since 1977 (49 years and counting). Only British Columbia (1970) and Oregon (1971) predate it. Uniquely, it is directly regulated by the SA EPA with no single appointed scheme coordinator. Around 132 licensed collection depots operate independently across the state. Around 660 million containers are returned for refund and recycling each year at a 75% return rate (SA EPA / NSW EPA joint release 2025), implying approximately 880M eligible containers supplied annually. The scheme is expanding to include wine and spirit bottles.
Key Facts
- ✓Australia's oldest CDS — active since 1977 (49 years); among the world's oldest after BC (1970) and Oregon (1971)
- ✓Directly regulated by SA EPA — no separate coordinator body
- ✓~132 licensed collection depots statewide
- ✓~880M eligible containers supplied annually
- ✓~660M containers returned for recycling per year (75% return rate)
- ✓Expanding to wine & spirit bottles from early 2026
Strengths
- Near-universal community awareness after 49 years
- Extensive network of independent licensed depots
- Strong regulatory framework with SA EPA direct oversight
- Government actively expanding container eligibility
Weaknesses
- Return rate at 75% — still 10% below the 85% national target
- No centralised coordinator to drive national benchmarking
- Saturated model without fresh engagement mechanisms
- Ageing infrastructure at many depot sites
Why SA needs The Recycling Games
Despite 49 years of operation and near-universal brand recognition, SA sits at 75% in 2023–24 — 10 points below the 85% target. The infrastructure is mature. The awareness is universal. Yet 1 in 4 containers still isn't returned. The government is aiming to push toward 80%, but new behavioural engagement is needed to close the final gap.
Return and Earn
New South Wales · Active since December 2017
68%
return rate
Coordinator
Exchange for Change
Network Operator
TOMRA Cleanaway
Containers p.a.
~3.24B eligible
Refund Points
667
Scheme Overview
Return and Earn launched December 2017 as NSW's Container Deposit Scheme. Coordinated by Exchange for Change (beverage industry joint venture) with TOMRA Cleanaway as network operator. The ACT runs its own CDS under the same Exchange for Change governance framework. The scheme returned 2.2 billion containers via the network in FY25, with 15.4 billion cumulative. Expanding to include wine & spirits from mid-2027.
Key Facts
- ✓Launched December 2017
- ✓Coordinator: Exchange for Change (beverage industry JV)
- ✓Network Operator: TOMRA Cleanaway
- ✓667 return points across NSW (as of 2025)
- ✓2.2B containers returned via network in FY25
- ✓15.4B cumulative containers returned to date
- ✓Expanding to wine & spirits from mid-2027
Strengths
- Largest state CDS by population reach (~8.3M people)
- Strong brand recognition — 83% of NSW adults participated
- TOMRA's world-class RVM and bulk depot technology
- NSW EPA provides strong regulatory backstop
Weaknesses
- 68% return rate — 17% below target after 8 years
- Participation plateauing despite high brand awareness
- 10c refund alone insufficient to drive the remaining 32%
Why NSW needs The Recycling Games
After 8 years and 15.4 billion containers processed, NSW sits at 68% — a plateau no additional RVMs will solve. 83% of NSW adults have participated, yet the rate hasn't moved meaningfully in years. The problem is behavioural, not infrastructural.
ACT Container Deposit Scheme
Australian Capital Territory · Active since June 2018
69%
return rate
Coordinator
Exchange for Change
Network Operator
TOMRA Cleanaway
Containers p.a.
~158M eligible
Refund Points
22
Scheme Overview
The ACT's Container Deposit Scheme shares governance with NSW via Exchange for Change, with ACT NoWaste providing territory-level policy oversight. The ACT has 22 return points (RVMs, cash-back depots, drop-and-go pods) and returned 109 million containers in FY25. According to the ACT CDS Annual Report 2024-25, 69% of containers supplied into the ACT were redeemed — a significant improvement from prior years. Expanding from mid-2027.
Key Facts
- ✓Launched June 2018
- ✓Shared governance with NSW via Exchange for Change
- ✓ACT NoWaste oversees territory-level policy
- ✓22 return points (RVMs, depots, drop-and-go pods)
- ✓109M containers returned in FY25
- ✓69% redemption rate in 2024-25 (ACT CDS Annual Report)
- ✓Expanding eligibility from mid-2027
Strengths
- Highly educated, environmentally engaged population
- Small, compact geography — easy to saturate with points
- Benefits from NSW scheme infrastructure and TOMRA tech
- 69% rate — meaningfully above the national average
Weaknesses
- 16% still below the 85% target
- Shared governance creates ACT-specific accountability gaps
- No dedicated ACT scheme identity — subsumed under NSW brand
Why ACT needs The Recycling Games
At 69%, the ACT is performing above the national average — but still 16% short of the 85% target. With an environmentally engaged population and compact geography, the ACT should be leading the nation. The Recycling Games could make it the first scheme to break 85%.
Containers for Change
Queensland · Active since November 2018
67%
return rate
Coordinator
Container Exchange (COEX)
Containers p.a.
~3.28B eligible
Refund Points
411 sites
Scheme Overview
Queensland's Containers for Change is managed by COEX — a not-for-profit appointed by the Queensland Government. With 380+ refund points, home collection, and the first state to accept wine and spirit bottles for 10c, COEX operates one of Australia's most innovative CDS networks. COEX also manages the NT scheme. A Parliamentary Inquiry into improving the scheme was completed in October 2025. 12.5 billion containers have been returned to date.
Key Facts
- ✓Launched November 2018
- ✓Coordinator: COEX (not-for-profit, government appointed)
- ✓380+ refund points including home collection & bag drop
- ✓First state to accept wine & spirit bottles for 10c
- ✓2.2B containers returned in FY25
- ✓12.5B+ containers returned to date
- ✓Parliamentary Inquiry completed October 2025
Strengths
- First-mover on wine/spirit bottle eligibility
- Innovative home collection and bag drop services
- COEX not-for-profit model enables remote network investment
- Strong community fundraising — donate-your-10c model
Weaknesses
- 67% return rate — 18% below target after 7 years
- Vast geography creates remote access gaps
- Parliamentary Inquiry found recovery rate stuck well below 85%
Why QLD needs The Recycling Games
Queensland has returned 12.5 billion containers — and is still 18% below target. The Parliamentary Inquiry confirmed the infrastructure and model are sound. The missing ingredient is a sustained, compelling reason to return every container, every time.
NT Container Deposit Scheme
Northern Territory · Active since January 2012
88%
return rate
Coordinator
NT EPA (direct regulator)
Network Operator
Envirobank NT · Marine Stores · Statewide Recycling
Containers p.a.
~118M eligible
Refund Points
33 locations (20 depots)
Scheme Overview
Australia's second-oldest CDS, operational since January 2012 — 14 years. Regulated directly by NT EPA, with multiple approved private coordinators (Envirobank NT, Marine Stores, Statewide Recycling). More than 20 commercial collection depots service Greater Darwin, regional town centres and remote communities. With 1 billion containers returned since 2012, the NT is the only Australian jurisdiction exceeding the 85% national target, achieving 88% in 2024–25.
Key Facts
- ✓Launched January 2012 — second oldest CDS in Australia (14 years)
- ✓Regulated directly by NT EPA
- ✓Multiple approved private coordinators (Envirobank NT, Marine Stores, Statewide Recycling)
- ✓20+ commercial depots from Darwin to Alice Springs and remote communities
- ✓1B+ containers returned since 2012
- ✓Only jurisdiction exceeding the 85% national target
Strengths
- 14+ years of operation — deep community and institutional knowledge
- Multi-operator model creates geographic flexibility
- Remote collection networks serve communities others miss
- Proves 85%+ is achievable even in challenging geography
Weaknesses
- 88% is excellent but 12% of further uplift remain possible
- Remote community logistics remain complex and costly
- Multi-operator coordination requires ongoing oversight
- NT's success story remains largely unknown nationally
✅ Target achieved — the only jurisdiction in Australia that doesn't need the 10c Recycling Games
The Northern Territory is the only one of Australia's 8 jurisdictions to have broken through the legislated 85% national target — achieving an outstanding 88% return rate in 2024–25. While every other state and territory falls short, NT has quietly proven what's possible. This is a remarkable achievement given its vast remote geography, multiple network operators, and complex logistics. The 10c Recycling Games is designed to help the other seven jurisdictions reach what NT has already achieved.
Containers for Change
Western Australia · Active since October 2020
65.6%
return rate
Coordinator
WARRRL
Containers p.a.
~1.55B eligible
Refund Points
303
Scheme Overview
Western Australia's Containers for Change is operated by WARRRL — WA Return Recycle Renew Ltd — a not-for-profit with 303 refund points statewide, including mine site and FIFO programs. 4.7 billion containers have been collected since October 2020. The scheme is expanding to wine and spirit bottles from July 2026. After strong early growth, the recovery rate has plateaued at 65%.
Key Facts
- ✓Launched October 2020 — 5+ years operational
- ✓Coordinator: WARRRL (not-for-profit)
- ✓303 refund points statewide (including mine sites & FIFO)
- ✓4.7B+ containers collected to date
- ✓Expanding to wine & spirits from July 2026
- ✓Recovery rate at 65% — stalled since early growth phase
Strengths
- 303 refund points — strong network for a 5-year-old scheme
- Innovative mine site and FIFO collection programs
- WARRRL's not-for-profit model enables community investment
- 4.7B containers diverted from landfill
Weaknesses
- 65.6% after 5+ years — early momentum has stalled
- Vast state geography creates persistent remote access gaps
- No sustained engagement mechanism beyond the 10c refund
Why WA needs The Recycling Games
Western Australia reached 65% and has stalled. Five years in, with 303 refund points and 4.7 billion containers collected, the easy returns have been captured. The remaining 35% need a reason to care — a game, a competition, a cause, a community.
CDS Vic
Victoria · Active since November 2023
53%
return rate
Coordinator
VicReturn
Network Operator
TOMRA/Cleanaway (West) · Visy (North) · Return-it (East)
Containers p.a.
~3.0B eligible
Refund Points
600+
Scheme Overview
CDS Vic launched November 2023 — coordinated by VicReturn with three zone network operators. With 600+ refund points across Australia's second-largest state (~6.7M population), the scheme is growing. The CDS Vic Annual Report 2023-24 notes consumption of ~3 billion eligible containers annually, with a 53% combined recovery rate (network + kerbside MRF). The Boomerang Alliance 12-month review (2025) noted the network-only rate was ~30%, with structural concerns about over-reliance on over-the-counter return points in some zones.
Key Facts
- ✓Launched November 2023 — 2+ years operational
- ✓Coordinator: VicReturn (industry appointed not-for-profit)
- ✓Three zone network operators (TOMRA/Cleanaway, Visy, Return-it)
- ✓600+ refund points statewide
- ✓~3B eligible containers consumed annually (CDS Vic Annual Report 2023-24)
- ✓53% combined recovery rate (network + kerbside MRF)
- ✓Second largest state population (~6.7M)
Strengths
- World-class multi-operator infrastructure from day one
- 600+ refund points is exceptional for a 2-year-old scheme
- Victoria has a strong sustainability-oriented community culture
Weaknesses
- 53% — still well below target after 2 years
- Three-zone model creates coordination complexity
- Critical habit formation window is closing fast
Why VIC needs The Recycling Games
Victoria is at the most critical moment in a CDS lifecycle: the habit formation window. Right now, 6.7 million Victorians are deciding whether returning containers is 'something they do'. Once that window closes, the plateau sets in — as it has in every other state.
Recycle Rewards
Tasmania · Active since May 2025
52%
return rate
Coordinator
TasRecycle
Network Operator
TOMRA Cleanaway
Containers p.a.
~192M eligible
Refund Points
43 operational (49 planned)
Scheme Overview
Recycle Rewards is Australia's newest CDS, launched 1 May 2025 by TasRecycle with TOMRA Cleanaway as network operator. The TasRecycle Annual Report 2024-25 shows Tasmania has approximately 192M eligible containers annually, with 43 refund points operational as at June 2025 (49 planned, including King and Flinders Islands). The scheme achieved a 52% redemption rate in its first year.
Key Facts
- ✓Launched 1 May 2025 — Australia's newest CDS
- ✓Coordinator: TasRecycle
- ✓Network Operator: TOMRA Cleanaway
- ✓43 refund points operational as at June 2025 (49 planned, incl. islands)
- ✓~192M eligible containers annually
- ✓52% redemption rate — first year (TasRecycle Annual Report 2024-25)
Strengths
- Rewards-focused brand identity baked in from day one
- Small population (~570K) allows rapid community saturation
- Strong Tasmanian 'clean and green' identity
- Remote island coverage from early in rollout
Weaknesses
- 52% redemption rate — habits still forming
- 43 refund points — network still growing to full 49
- Very early stage — scheme still embedding in community routines
Why TAS needs The Recycling Games
Tasmania launched in May 2025 — habits haven't fully formed yet. At 52%, it has the highest first-year rate of any new Australian scheme. If The Recycling Games activates alongside Recycle Rewards now, Tasmania could become the first state to hit 85% — and the proof of concept that changes everything.
The conclusion is unavoidable.
Mature schemes have plateaued well below 85% — and newer schemes are tracking the same early curve. Infrastructure built, awareness raised, rate stalled. The problem is behaviour. Behaviour is exactly what 10c Recycling Games changes.
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