Recycling containers is about to become even easier
The expanded and simplified scheme applies a 10-cent refund to all beverage containers of 3-litres or less – including wine and spirit and plain milk containers, removing complicity for consumers and businesses.
From Wednesday 1 July 2026, the Territory’s container deposit scheme will be easier for Territorians with a 10-cent refund redeemable on all beverage containers up to 3 litres including wine and spirit bottles, and plain milk containers.
Since the Northen Territory Parliament passed legislation in October last year to enable the scheme to expand, the Department has been busy working with industry to ensure a smooth transition and launch on 1 July 2026.
Expanding and simplifying the scheme is to remove complexity and make it easier for both consumers and businesses to recycle their beverage containers.
Since the scheme started in 2012, Territorians have been able to claim refunds on beer, soft drink, juice-based beverage containers of 3 litres or less, and a limited range of smaller beverage containers of one litre or less. This has seen over 1.25 billion containers redeemed, and more than $120 million returned into the hands of Territorians.
The expanded scheme will ensure even more beverage containers are redeemed with even more money going into the pockets of Territorians, particularly in regional and remote community locations where kerbside recycling is not available, helping to reduce litter and risk of injury in public places.
Expanding the scheme further supports the waste and recycling industry with cleaner and higher value material, encouraging more infrastructure investment and jobs including incentivising investment opportunities and jobs in regional and remote communities.
More than 20 commercial depots provide collection services in over 30 locations throughout the Territory, from Greater Darwin and town centres to regional and remote communities, and there are many more container fundraising donation points operated by charities, community groups, schools and sporting organisations.
The expansion of the Territory container deposit scheme follows Queensland doing so in November 2023 and coincides with Western Australia expanding its scheme on 1 July 2026. New South Wales, South Australia, and Australian Capital Territory are expected to follow.
New South Wales, South Australia, and Australian Capital Territory are expected to follow.
For more information on the Territory’s container deposit scheme go to the NTEPA website
