The ACT government is looking to expand its Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) to include more types of containers. The CDS was introduced in 2018 and allows people to return eligible, empty drink containers for a 10-cent refund per item. Currently the scheme accepts aluminium cans, glass bottles, plastic bottles and cartons (flavoured milk and juice boxes).
The ACT Government is considering the inclusion of the following items into the Scheme:
- water (inflatable sachets and other packaging types) – one to three litres
- fruit and vegetable juice (at least 90 per cent juice and all container types) – one to three litres
- flavoured milk (all container types) – one to three litres
- concentrated fruit and vegetable juice intended to be diluted before consumption (all container types) – 150 millilitres to three litres
- cordial (undiluted and all material types) – 150 millilitres to three litres
- wine – 150 millilitres to three litres
- spirits – 150 millilitres to three litres
- flavoured alcoholic beverages with a wine base – one to three litres.
The proposal supports a national agreement to expand and harmonise the scope of container deposit schemes by the end of 2025. Introducing a harmonised expanded scope of containers will make it easier for businesses that supply to multiple states and territories.
Read more: First Victorian CDS drop off point installed
More han 444 million containers have been returned and recycled through the scheme. Expanding the types of eligible containers will see even more containers recycled and remanufactured through the scheme, improving resource recovery and contributing to a circular economy.
This comes on the back of several other states looking to include an array of new types of containers it will accept into their schemes.