What's the impact of your recycling?
Every container returned through the ACT CDS helps our environment.
Calculate your impact
How are drink containers recycled?
Ever wondered what happens to your containers after you drop then off at the ACT CDS?
Find out
Check which containers are good to go
Check the label for the ‘10c’ refund mark to see whether your container is eligible and can be returned through the scheme for a 10 cent refund.
Learn more
Erindale Reverse Vending Machine
Save time and fuel by returning your drink containers at our Erindale reverse vending machine next time you go shopping.
Find out more
What's the impact of your recycling?
Every container returned through the ACT CDS helps our environment. Calculate your impact now!
Calculate your impact
How are drink containers recycled?
Ever wondered what happens to your containers after you drop them off at the ACT CDS? Find out!
Find out
Check which containers are good to go
Check the label for the ‘10c’ refund mark to see whether your container is eligible and can be returned through the scheme for a 10 cent refund.
Learn mor
Erindale Reverse Vending Machine
Save time and fuel by returning your drink containers at our Erindale reverse vending machine next time you go shopping.
Find out more
!
Return points across ACT are open. When visiting, please ensure you comply with the latest Public Health Directives and maintain social distancing from others.
!

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

20

return points available

Return Point Network

217 million

containers returned via return points since commencement

Kerbside2

192 million

containers returned via kerbside since commencement

Container Collection

392 million

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

Redemption

76%

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

Satisfaction

81%

Satisfaction among scheme participants

Adults Participation

66%

of ACT adults have participated in the ACT CDS

Support

79%

of ACT adults support the scheme

Map

20

return points available

Return Point Network

217 million

containers returned via return points since commencement

Kerbside2

192 million

containers returned via kerbside since commencement

Container Collection

392 million

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

Redemption

76%

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

Satisfaction

81%

Satisfaction among scheme participants.

Adults Participation

66%

of ACT adults have participated in ACT CDS

Support

79%

of ACT adults support the scheme

Find a return point

How does it work?

Find out more

Collect Eligible Containers
1

Collect eligible containers

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

Check container eligibility

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.

Find a return point

Get Your Refundor Donate
3

Get your refund

Get 10 cents for each eligible container you return.

Find out more

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

Find a return point near you

Latest News

Harrison Public School
Community
12 Dec

Toy koala helps Harrison Public School students recycle

William the Waste-free Warrior is encouraging kids at Harrison Public School to recycle using the ACT Container Deposit Scheme (CDS). The toy koala is
Read More
micro-business
Community
12 Dec

ACT local launches recycling micro-business to give back to the community

ACT local Ryan Gilligan has had a passion for recycling since he was young. When he graduated from school in December 2020, he wasn’t
Read More
National Recycling week
Media Release
11 Nov

ACT CDS celebrates National Recycling Week with launch of impact calculator

“Sometimes the world’s environmental problems can seem overwhelming,” said Danielle Smalley, CEO of Exchange for Change, the organisation charged with administering the ACT Container
Read More
Footer

Stay Updated
With Our Newsletter

Logo White
Po Box 3414 Rhodes NSW 2138 | ABN: 12 620 512 469
Email
Facebook
T&C’s
PRIVACY

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 quarterly.

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 (June 2022)

Total participation

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

Support for the Scheme

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