Container Deposit Scheme Northern Territory: What You Can Return

Last updated: May 2026

The Northern Territory Container Deposit Scheme launched on 3 January 2012, making it the second jurisdiction in Australia to offer cash refunds for empty drink containers. Territorians get 10 cents back per eligible container returned to a refund point. If you have been looking up the container deposit scheme Northern Territory locator, the Envirobank NT site lists every drop-off point across Darwin, Palmerston, Alice Springs, Katherine, Tennant Creek and the regional depots in between.

Who runs the NT CDS?

The NT runs a single-operator model. Envirobank NT is responsible for the entire refund-point network, which is why the branding is consistent the whole way through the Territory. Single-operator setups like this one and the ACT are unusual; most other states use a multi-operator network coordinated by a separate scheme administrator.

What containers are eligible?

Most drink containers between 150 mL and 3 L with a "10c refund" mark from the NT scheme are accepted:

• Aluminium cans (soft drink, beer, energy drinks, pre-mixed spirits)
• Glass bottles (beer, cider, kombucha, soft drink, water)
• PET and HDPE plastic bottles (water, soft drink, juice, sports drinks, flavoured milk)
• Liquid paperboard cartons (juice boxes, flavoured milk poppers)
• Steel cans (some imported beverages)

What is changing in 2026

From mid-2026, the NT scheme expands to accept nearly all drink containers up to 3 litres. That includes glass wine bottles, spirit bottles, plain milk containers, cordial, concentrated juice and water in casks. The NT will be the first Australian jurisdiction to add plain milk to its accepted list. Legislation allows a two-year transition for refund-mark labelling, with full automatic commencement by 30 August 2027.

Container deposit scheme Northern Territory: where to drop off

NT refund points are mostly Envirobank-run depots. You will find:

• Envirobank depots. Bulk drop-off sites in Darwin, Palmerston, Casuarina, Alice Springs and other regional hubs.
• Reverse vending machines. A smaller number of RVMs in shopping centres, mostly in the Top End.
• Mobile and community sites. Pop-up days for remote communities and seasonal events.

Use the Envirobank NT site to confirm hours and addresses. Sign up online to link your bank account so refunds deposit automatically.

How to use the NT CDS in three steps

1. Set up an Envirobank account. Free sign-up, links to your bank or charity of choice.
2. Sort and check. Keep eligible containers separate from kerbside recycling. Confirm each has the "10c refund" mark.
3. Drop off. Take containers to your nearest Envirobank depot or RVM. Refund hits your account.

What about caps and labels?

The container deposit scheme refunds the bottle. Caps, foil seals and labels do not earn a refund. Drop them into a BRAD (Banish Recycling and Diversion) box instead. BRAD is our by-mail recycling program that takes the small hard-to-recycle items kerbside and the CDS will not handle. Plastic bottle tops, metal beer caps, wine foils and paper labels all belong here.

BRAD also accepts blister packs, chip packets, toothbrushes, cosmetics, pens, alkaline batteries and coffee pods (Nespresso included). It is not the right home for e-waste, phones, chargers, cables, fairy lights or lithium-ion batteries; those go to a dedicated e-waste collector or Officeworks' Bring It Back scheme.

For how the NT scheme compares with every other state, see our container deposit scheme Australia guide.

Frequently asked questions

How much do I get back per container in the NT?

10 cents per eligible container, the same as every other Australian scheme.

Where can I drop containers off in the Northern Territory?

Envirobank NT depots and a handful of reverse vending machines, with the main sites in Darwin, Palmerston, Casuarina and Alice Springs. Mobile collection runs cover regional and remote communities.

Will the NT accept wine bottles?

Yes, from mid-2026. The expansion will also include spirit bottles, plain milk containers, cordial, concentrated juice and water in casks. Refund-mark labelling has a two-year transition window with full commencement by 30 August 2027.

Is plain milk really accepted in the NT?

It will be from mid-2026. The Northern Territory is the first Australian jurisdiction to add plain milk to its CDS, and the change is part of one of the broadest expansions of any state or territory scheme.

What do I do with bottle caps in the NT?

Caps are not refunded by the CDS. Send them through BRAD with other small hard-to-recycle items.