Find A Document:
Container deposit refunds
Container deposit legislation (CDL) was introduced to South Australia in 1977 and has proven to be successful in reducing litter and promoting resource recovery.
The scheme allows South Australians to collect a deposit for each beverage container they return to a recycling depot.
10-cent refund
Since 1 September 2008, the deposit on beverage containers is 10 cents.
Even if the container is marked ‘5c’, consumers can still receive a 10 cent refund.
Since the state government increased the refund on beverage containers, more South Australians have been encouraged to recycle. At the same time, there has been less litter on our streets and less waste sent to landfill.
What containers are covered by the scheme?
CDL captures a broad range of beverage containers that contribute to the litter stream, such as:
Containers less than one litre:
- flavoured milks
- fruit juices.
Containers up to and including three litres:
- water – still and sparkling
- soft drinks
- vitamin drinks
- sport drinks
- iced teas
- beers/ales/stouts
- ciders
- alcoholic sodas
- spirit-based beverages
- some wine-based beverages.
Plain milk and wine in glass containers remain outside the scope of the legislation, which also specifically exempts pure fruit juice and flavoured milk in containers with a capacity of one litre or greater.
If you are unsure whether a drink container attracts a deposit, check the labelling on the container.
When is the cut-off date for returning containers labelled ‘5c’?
There is no cut-off date for returning containers marked ‘5c’.
More information
To find your nearest collection depot, visit the list of metropolitan depots or regional depots. For more information on the deposit increase, take a look at some frequently asked questions.
Application forms can be accessed online.
Zero Waste SA has a recycling directory which is South Australia’s guide to waste minimisation. Within these pages you will find out how you can recycle just about anything in South Australia.
Last modified: 29/04/2011 11:38 am
