Container Deposit Scheme South Australia: What You Can Return

Last updated: May 2026

South Australia is the original. The container deposit scheme South Australia program has been running since 1977, making SA the first state in the country (and one of the first jurisdictions in the world) to put a 10 cent refund on drink containers. Nearly 50 years on it is still one of the most effective recycling schemes in Australia, with a return rate consistently above 75%. You take eligible drink containers back to a depot or RVM, you get 10 cents back per container.

Who runs the SA CDS?

The South Australian scheme is administered by the SA EPA under the Environment Protection Act. Unlike newer states that use a single scheme operator, SA runs a multi-super-collector model. Several approved super-collectors and a network of independent depots make up the refund-point system. Statewide household names like Statewide Recycling, Marine Stores and Stat Recycling are part of the network, alongside dozens of smaller independent depots.

What containers are eligible?

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

• Aluminium cans (soft drink, beer, energy drinks, pre-mixed spirits)
• Glass bottles (beer, cider, kombucha, soft drink, water, non-grape wines)
• 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)

SA also accepts grape wine in aluminium cans or plastic bottles up to 250 mL, and spirits in non-glass containers, which is a quirk you do not see in most other states.

Not currently accepted

Glass wine bottles, glass spirit bottles, plain milk containers (dairy, soy, oat, almond), cordial and juice concentrate bottles, cask wine and cask water, containers outside the 150 mL to 3 L range, and registered health tonics. The SA Government has confirmed wine and spirit glass will be added by late 2027.

Container deposit scheme South Australia: where to drop off

SA is the depot state. Unlike NSW or Victoria, the SA scheme leans heavily on traditional over-the-counter collection depots rather than reverse vending machines. You will find:

• Collection depots. Run by approved super-collectors and independents across Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills, the Fleurieu, Eyre Peninsula, the Riverland, the South East and the Yorke Peninsula. Bulk loads are scanned or counted in person.
• Reverse vending machines. A small but growing number of RVMs at select shopping centres and council sites.
• Over-the-counter sites. Smaller manual sites at servos and community halls in regional SA.

The SA EPA's CDS site lists every approved depot. Loads of more than a few bags suit a depot rather than an RVM.

How to use the SA CDS in three steps

1. Sort and check. Keep eligible containers separate from kerbside recycling. Look for the "10c refund SA" mark.
2. Pick a depot. Use the EPA's locator to find the closest one. Adelaide has dozens, regional centres usually have at least one.
3. Drop off and get paid. Most depots pay cash for smaller loads and electronic transfer for larger ones. Donations to charities, schools and sports clubs are also widely supported.

What about caps and labels?

The container deposit scheme refunds the bottle. Caps, foil seals and labels are not part of the refund. Send them through BRAD (Banish Recycling and Diversion) instead. BRAD is our by-mail recycling program for the small hard-to-recycle items kerbside and the CDS will not take. 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 does not take e-waste, phones, chargers, cables, fairy lights or lithium-ion batteries; those need a dedicated e-waste collector or Officeworks' Bring It Back scheme.

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

Frequently asked questions

How long has South Australia had a container deposit scheme?

Since 1977, making SA the first state in Australia (and one of the first jurisdictions in the world) to legislate a 10 cent drink container refund.

How much do I get back per container in SA?

10 cents per eligible container, the same as every state and territory.

Where do I drop containers off in SA?

Mostly at collection depots run by approved super-collectors. There are also a small number of RVMs and over-the-counter sites. Use the SA EPA's CDS locator to find your nearest depot.

Can I return wine bottles in South Australia?

Not yet. Glass wine and spirit bottles are scheduled to join the SA scheme by late 2027. Until then, wine bottles go in kerbside recycling. Wine in aluminium cans or plastic bottles up to 250 mL is already accepted.

What do I do with bottle caps in SA?

Caps are not part of the refund. Send them through BRAD with other small hard-to-recycle items.