Eligible containers

Eligible containers - good to go!

Eligible drink containers are those that are commonly found in the litter stream and are smaller, more portable containers.

Check the label for the ‘10c’ refund mark to see whether a container is eligible and can be returned through the ACT Container Deposit Scheme (ACT CDS).*

Cartons (flavoured milk or juice boxes)

Cans (aluminium or steel)

Bottles (glass or plastic)

Most containers between 150ml and 3 litres are accepted and can be redeemed for the 10c refund.

*Disclaimer: Certain containers with the ‘10c’ symbol on the label, such as Yakult bottles, are not eligible through the ACT CDS. They carry the ‘10c’ symbol because they are eligible for a refund in another state or territory.

Acceptable container condition

Lids off

Empty

Eligible

Containers are accepted either crushed or uncrushed as long as we can see the label and the barcode

Ineligible containers – not refundable

Ineligible drink containers are larger containers typically consumed at home and are not commonly found as litter, so they are not eligible to be returned through the ACT CDS.

Plain milk bottles or cartons

Glass wine bottles

Glass spirit bottles

Cordial bottles

Pure juice containers over 1 litre (comprising of at least 90% pure juice)

Please dispose of these containers in your household recycling bin.

Container eligibility checker

The container database is maintained by the NSW Government Environment Protection Authority (EPA). Both ACT and NSW container deposit schemes share the same database of registered containers.

Scheme expansion

The ACT Government has announced it will consult in 2023 on expanding the scheme to include items such as wine bottles, spirit and cordial bottles. Follow our Facebook page or visit our news page to keep up–to–date on the latest news.