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When will consumers be able to collect the 10 cent deposit for beverage containers?
Since 1 September 2008, all South Australian consumers have been able to collect the 10 cent deposit. Consumers will receive the higher deposit amount whether or not the container’s label displays a ‘5c’ or ’10c’ marking.
What containers are eligible for the 10 cent refund?
Various containers with a capacity up to and including 3 litres attract the increased deposit, such as:
Containers less than 1 litre:
- flavoured milks
- fruit juices
Containers up to and including 3 litres:
- soft drinks
- vitamin drinks
- sport drinks
- iced teas
- beers/ales/stouts
- ciders
- alcoholic sodas
- spirit-based beverages
- some wine-based beverages
- water – plain, still or carbonated spring water, mineral water and any other water intended for human consumption.
The above list is to be used as a guide only and is not designed to be a comprehensive and complete list of all beverage containers to which the legislation applies.
Why was there an increase in the refund value?
The container deposit scheme was introduced in 1977 and the deposit value remained at 5 cents until 1 September 2008, when it was increased to 10 cents.
This came about due to an increase in the number of beverage containers found in the litter stream and a decline in the return rates of beverage containers to 70%. The increase to 10 cents has been an incentive to encourage consumers to recycle more containers.
Why are wine bottles and plain milk bottles not included?
The container deposit system was set up to combat litter. The legislation has therefore focused on the containers that are littered. To date, wine bottles and containers for plain milk, have not been a significant contributor to the litter stream in South Australia. Although not eligible for a refund, these containers can be recycled via kerbside recycling collections or by taking them to a collection depot.
When did CDL commence in SA and is it successful?
The container deposit scheme commenced in South Australia in 1977 and has proved successful. South Australia has significantly less beverage container litter and higher recycling rates of beverage containers than any other state.
The South Australian community overwhelmingly supports the scheme which provides an incentive to encourage recycling and reduce littering. Community groups and charities benefit from monies raised from collecting beverage containers for refund.
Do other states have this scheme?
The Northern Territory commenced its container deposit scheme (CDS) in January 2012.
How many beverage containers are recycled via the container deposit scheme?
In 2010-11 approximately 47,000 tonnes or 593 million beverage containers were returned to depots for refund. The overall return rate for this period was 80.4%.
Can I collect containers elsewhere in Australia and bring them into South Australia for a refund?
Beverage containers purchased outside of South Australia have not had a deposit paid on them. It is illegal to return interstate containers to South Australian collection depots for a refund. A maximum penalty of $30,000 applies. The refund statement on the container clearly states '10c refund at collection depots when sold in SA'.
If you require more information, please contact the Container Deposit Legislation Unit on (08) 8204 2165 or (08) 8226 2994.
Approved collection depots
There are 40 metropolitan depots and 84 regional depots.
Metropolitan Adelaide
Approved collection depots in Metropolitan Adelaide for the return of refund-bearing drink containers sold in South Australia.
Click on map to search depots
Regional SA
Approved collection depots in regional areas for the return of refund-bearing drink containers sold in South Australia.
Click on map to search depots
Last modified: 05/02/2013 11:14 am
