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Return points across ACT are open. When visiting, please ensure you comply with the latest Public Health Directives and maintain social distancing from others.
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Well done ACT!

Millions of drink containers are returned through the ACT Container Deposit Scheme (ACT CDS) every year. By recycling bottles, cans and cartons, you’re helping to reduce litter and landfill and earning some money along the way.

The ACT Container Deposit Scheme is the smart way to recycle your drink containers.

Every container returned makes an impact.

Map

22

return points available

Return Point Network

241 million

containers returned via return points since commencement

Kerbside2

203 million

containers returned via kerbside since commencement

Container Collection

444 million

drink containers returned through the scheme (network + kerbside) since commencement

Redemption

65%

of containers supplied redeemed through the scheme (network + kerbside) in the last 12 months

Satisfaction

84%

Satisfaction among scheme participants

Adults Participation

59%

of ACT adults have participated in the ACT CDS

Support

88%

of ACT adults support the scheme

Map

22

return points available

Return Point Network

241 million

containers returned via return points since commencement

Kerbside2

203 million

containers returned via kerbside since commencement

Container Collection

444 million

drink containers returned through the scheme (network + kerbside) since commencement

Redemption

65%

of containers supplied redeemed through the scheme (network + kerbside) in the last 12 months

Satisfaction

84%

Satisfaction among scheme participants.

Adults Participation

59%

of ACT adults have participated in ACT CDS

Support

88%

of ACT adults support the scheme

How does it work?

Collect Eligible Containers
1

Collect eligible containers

Find out which containers can be returned through the ACT CDS for 10 cents each.

Take Containers To A Return Point
2

Take containers to a return point

There are different types of return points available. Find the one nearest or most convenient for you.

Get Your Refundor Donate
3

Get your refund

Get 10 cents for each eligible container you return.

Returning Containers

Each type of return point offers different refund options.

Drop & Go Pods

Drop & Go Pods

Ideal for returning containers close to home.

Self-service and open 7am to 7pm, seven days a week.

Electronic refunds
Donations
Drop And Go Icon

Drop & Go Points

Ideal for four to five bags of drink containers at a time.

Self-service and staffed. Open during business hours and weekends.

Electronic refunds
Donations
Cash Back Depots

Cash-back Depots

Ideal for larger quantities of drink containers and instant cash refund.

Staffed with automated counting systems. Open during business hours and weekends.

Cash refunds
Electronic refunds
Donations
Reverse Vending Machine

Reverse Vending Machine

Ideal for returning containers close to home.

Self-service and open 7am to 7pm, seven days a week.

Electronic refunds
Donations
ACT Donation Station Icon 160

Donation Station

Ideal for on-the-go returns. Donations only.

Self-service and open 7am to 12am, seven days a week.

Donations

Latest News

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5 May

Plastic bags, plates and bowls no longer stack up – further ACT single-use plastic bans

Released 30/05/2023 Canberrans are set to reduce even more waste going to landfill with the next phase of the ACT Government’s single-use plastics ban
Woden Valley
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4 Apr

Tiny tots learn about recycling to help rescue joeys 

The animal kingdom is a major part of daily life at Woden Valley Early Learning Centre, teaching children valuable lessons in life, and fundraising
International Women's Day 2023
Community
3 Mar

ACT CDS celebrates International Women’s Day 2023

It’s International Women’s Day, and we are featuring some of the incredible women from scheme coordinator Exchange for Change and network operator Return-It, who
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Return Points

Salvos Fyshwick is currently temporarily closed. but there are plenty of other return points across Canberra. Find your nearest one here.

Containers returned at scheme return points

Source: Scheme coordinator, Exchange for Change

This figure is reported monthly.

Containers returned via kerbside collection

Eligible containers collected from household recycling bins are taken to the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Hume. The MRF makes a claim at the end of each quarter based on volumes of containers returned during the quarter, therefore this figure is updated once their claim has been reviewed and processed (up to two months post end of the quarter).

Total Containers Returned

Total number of containers collected through the scheme, either via a return point or through kerbside collection, since scheme commencement (June 2018). This figure is reported monthly.

Containers redeemed (network + kerbside)​

The redemption rate is the percentage of eligible containers supplied into ACT which have been redeemed through the scheme, either via a return point or through kerbside collection. This figure is updated quarterly.

Awareness

Source: Instinct and Reason Consumer Research in the ACT CDS (December 2022)

Total participation

Source: Instinct and Reason Consumer Research in the ACT CDS (December 2022)

Support for the Scheme

Source: Instinct and Reason Consumer Research in the ACT CDS (December 2022)