Before arriving at a return point:
set up an online account with the ACT CDS return point operator, Return-It, to receive an electronic refund – you do not need to set up an account for cash refunds
remove the lids from the eligible drink containers – consider giving the lids to a recycling station
find your nearest return point and check its opening hours, and
place the drink containers in a tray, bucket or cardboard box if using a Cash-back Depot or place them in a slightly see-through plastic bag and tie it up if using a Drop & Go Point or Pod – the white bin liners you can purchase from most supermarkets are acceptable and all bags are recycled.
Each type of return point offers different refund options.
Drop & Go Pods
Self-service and open 7am to 7pm, seven days a week.
Ideal for returning containers close to home.
- Electronic refunds
- Donations
Drop & Go Points
Self-service and staffed. Open during business hours and weekends.
Ideal for four to five bags of drink containers at a time.
- Electronic refunds
- Donations
Cash-back Depots
Staffed and offers additional services. Open during business hours and weekends.
Ideal for larger quantities of drink containers and instant cash refund.
- Cash refunds
- Electronic refunds
- Donations
At Drop & Go Points or Pods:
- use the touchscreen to login to your Return-It account
- follow the prompts to print out a barcode label (tag) for each bag of drink containers
- stick the label on each bag, and
- hand the bag to return point staff or place the bag in the pod chute.
You will receive your electronic refund in your Return-It online account within a few business days. You will then need to transfer your refund to your nominated bank account or choose to make a charitable donation.
At Cash-back Depots:
- sort the drink containers by type and place them in the provided trays
- hand the trays to staff
- staff will count the drink containers while you wait, and if you choose to receive a cash refund, staff will provide it to you on the spot – alternatively, you will receive your electronic refund in your Return-It online account within a few business days.
An automated counting system is in place at the Phillip Cash-back Depot to help make it easier and quicker to return and process drink containers. Instead of handing trays of sorted containers to staff, you place containers on the system which counts them for you. The system is connected to an ATM where you can then claim your cash refund.
Eligible containers
Eligible drink containers are those that are commonly found in the litter stream and are smaller, more portable containers. Larger containers that are generally used at home are not eligible for return.
Find out moreDonations
You can choose to donate part of all of your refund to not-for-profit and community organisations such as charities, sporting groups and schools.
Find out more