Container Deposit Scheme ACT: What You Can Return in Canberra

Last updated: May 2026

The ACT Container Deposit Scheme launched on 30 June 2018, making it the third territory-level program in Australia after South Australia and the Northern Territory. Canberrans get a 10 cent refund on every eligible drink container returned to a refund point. If you have been searching for a container deposit scheme ACT drop-off near you, the official locator at actcds.org.au lists every site across the territory.

Who runs the ACT CDS?

The ACT scheme is operated by Return-It (ACT). Return-It runs both the network of express refund points and a smaller number of full-service depots, all within the ACT footprint.

What containers are eligible?

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

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

Not currently accepted

Glass wine and spirit bottles, plain milk containers, cordial concentrates, water in casks, and containers outside the 150 mL to 3 L range. The ACT Government has confirmed wine and spirit glass, cordial, concentrated juice and cask water will be added no earlier than mid-2027.

Container deposit scheme ACT: where to drop containers off

The ACT network is compact compared with bigger states. You will find around 20 active refund points across the territory, including:

• Return-It Express points. Drop a pre-tagged bag and walk away. The refund lands in your Return-It account, ready to transfer to your bank.
• Reverse vending machines. Smaller machines at select shopping centres for one-at-a-time returns.
• Hume Depot. The main bulk drop-off site, suited to larger loads.

Use the postcode search on actcds.org.au to confirm hours and location for your closest site.

How to use the ACT CDS in three steps

1. Set up a Return-It member number. Sign up at actcds.org.au. Your member number lets the refund land directly in your nominated bank account or charity.
2. Sort and check. Keep eligible containers separate from kerbside recycling and confirm each one has a "10c refund" mark listing the ACT (or another participating jurisdiction).
3. Drop off. Bag your containers, attach your Return-It tag (for Express sites) or feed them through an RVM. Refund arrives in your account.

What about caps and labels?

The container deposit scheme refunds the bottle. Caps, foil seals and labels are not part of the refund, and most kerbside services in the ACT prefer caps to be kept off bottles so the plastic and metal streams can be separated cleanly. Send those small bits to BRAD (Banish Recycling and Diversion) instead. BRAD is our by-mail recycling program for hard-to-recycle items: plastic bottle tops, metal beer caps, wine foils and paper labels can all go in a BRAD box.

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; take those to a dedicated e-waste collector or Officeworks' Bring It Back scheme.

For the full national breakdown, see our container deposit scheme Australia guide.

Frequently asked questions

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

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

Where can I find an ACT CDS refund point?

Use the locator at actcds.org.au. The ACT has roughly 20 refund sites, made up of Return-It Express points, a small number of RVMs and the Hume Depot.

Can I return wine bottles in Canberra?

Not yet. Wine and spirit glass bottles will be added to the ACT scheme no earlier than mid-2027. Until then, wine bottles go in kerbside recycling.

What if my container has no 10c refund mark?

It is not eligible for a refund. Plain milk, large cordials and most cooking-related bottles fall into this bucket. Most can still go in kerbside recycling if they are clean and rigid.

What do I do with caps in the ACT?

The CDS does not refund caps. Drop them into a BRAD box alongside other small hard-to-recycle items.