NSW partners SA to expand container deposit schemes to include wine, spirit bottles

AUSTRALIA – New South Wales (NSW) and South Australia (SA) are set to enhance their container deposit schemes (CDS) by including wine, spirit bottles, and larger drink containers starting in 2027.

The initiative builds on the success of Australia’s most effective recycling program, which has already recycled billions of bottles and cans nationwide.

According to NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe, the expansion is expected to save at least 27,000 tons of materials from landfills each year in NSW alone. 

“The CDS is fantastic for the environment, great for our recycling industry, and puts money back in people’s pockets,” Sharpe stated. 

She cautioned, however, that residents should not attempt to return wine bottles to Return and Earn machines until mid-2027, as systems are being prepared for the transition.

The expanded schemes will cover glass wine and spirit bottles, cordial and juice concentrate containers, and larger containers up to three liters for beverages like flavored milk and fruit juice. 

Plain milk and health tonic containers remain excluded. 

SA Premier Peter Malinauskas highlighted the state’s long-standing leadership in recycling, noting that around 660 million containers, equivalent to 44,000 tons, are returned annually in SA, generating significant refunds for communities.

In a statement, SA Deputy Premier and Minister for Climate, Environment, and Water Susan Close emphasized simplifying the scheme to reduce confusion and support local remanufacturing by keeping glass out of landfills. 

The states are collaborating with industries, particularly smaller wine producers, to ensure a smooth transition by 2027. 

Residents are encouraged to continue using kerbside bins for these containers until collection points are ready.

Jeff Angel, director of the Boomerang Alliance, called the expansion a significant step for Australia’s circular economy, urging the wine industry to embrace the opportunity. 

Recent updates indicate that the Northern Territory will implement similar reforms within six months, following Queensland’s lead, which began accepting wine and spirit bottles in 2023.

Western Australia has also committed to expanding its Containers for Change scheme, signaling a growing national effort to enhance recycling.

This coordinated approach between NSW and SA, with plans for industry engagement, aims to streamline operations and maximize environmental and economic benefits. 

The expansion is expected to increase recycling rates, reduce litter, and provide financial incentives through the 10-cent (approximately US$0.07 USD) refund per eligible container, further solidifying the CDS as a cornerstone of Australia’s recycling efforts.

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