Container deposit scheme

South Australia's container deposit scheme was introduced in 1977 and has been very effective for reducing litter, increasing resource recovery and reducing waste going to landfill.

There is a 10 cent deposit and refund on most beverage containers in South Australia, check the label if the deposit/refund applies.

It is illegal to return beverage containers sold outside of South Australia for a refund.

Drink containers in the scheme

Beverages containers of less than one litre that have a 10 cent deposit are:

• flavoured milk
• fruit juice.

Beverage containers up to and including three litres that have a 10 cent deposit are:

• water – plain, still or carbonated
• carbonated soft drinks
• non-carbonated soft drinks including:
  • vitamin drinks
  • sport drinks
  • iced teas
• alcoholic cider
• beers/ales/stouts
• flavoured alcoholic beverages with a wine or spirit base (RTDs).

Exempt drink containers

• Plain milk containers of any size
• glass wine and spirit bottles
• fruit juice one litre or more
• flavoured milk one litre or more.

Please contact the Environment Protection Authority if you are unsure about which beverage containers can be returned for a refund.

Collection depots

To find your nearest collection depot, see the list of collection depots on the EPA website.