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Australia United in Container Recycling

On 1 May 2025, Tasmania officially launched its Container Refund Scheme, becoming the final Australian state to embrace this impactful environmental initiative. With this historic move, all Australian states and territories are now united under a nationwide commitment to reduce litter, support recycling, and promote a circular economy.

A National Vision Realised

For decades, Australians have advocated for smarter, more sustainable waste management solutions. Container deposit schemes (CDS), which reward customers for returning eligible drink containers, have played a pivotal role in reducing waste and encouraging community engagement. With Tasmania now on board, the entire country is aligned in its approach to tackling beverage container litter and increasing resource recovery.

From Pioneers to a Unified System

Australia’s journey with CDS began in South Australia in 1977, where it was the only state with a scheme for many years, setting a national benchmark. It wasn’t until 2012 that the Northern Territory followed, and over the past decade, the rest of the country progressively introduced their own programs:

  • New South Wales launched Return and Earn in 2017, the first of the modern CDS programs, combining digital systems with community depots and reverse vending machines.

  • Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory followed in 2018, each tailoring their schemes to regional needs.

  • Western Australia introduced Containers for Change in 2020, creating strong regional partnerships and community depots across its vast landscape.

  • Victoria, one of the last states to implement a scheme, launched its CDS Vic in November 2023, with a network of automated and manual collection points that rapidly expanded across metro and rural areas.

Now, Tasmania’s CRS (Container Refund Scheme) closes the loop, ensuring every Australian can participate in a consistent, purpose-driven system designed to protect the environment and empower communities.

Different Approaches, Shared Goals

While each state’s scheme differs in branding, network operator models, and infrastructure (manual depots, reverse vending machines, and now bulk redemption terminals), they all share a unified goal: to recover high volumes of eligible containers and reduce landfill. Schemes may differ in:

  • Labeling and eligibility (some accept crushed containers, others require labels intact),

  • Refund options (vouchers, EFT, cash),

  • Access and convenience (urban vs regional models),

  • Technology implementation, from advanced counting terminals to app integrations.

At Container Deposit Systems, we’ve worked with operators in nearly every state, developing terminals and digital tools that adapt to these diverse regulatory environments while delivering consistent, efficient performance.

What This Means for the Future

With nationwide adoption now achieved, the future of CDS in Australia is bright. We expect to see increased container return rates, improved recycling infrastructure, and more innovation across the sector. As the technology evolves, so will customer expectations—and systems must keep pace. At CDS, we are committed to continuous improvement, helping clients meet these new challenges with cutting-edge automation, reliable service, and scalable solutions.

Tasmania’s inclusion is more than a milestone—it’s a message. Australia is ready to lead the world in container recovery, one bottle and can at a time.

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