CDS Continues to Be the Strongest EPR in Australia

Date: Wednesday, 25 March 2026 

CDS CONTINUES TO BE THE STRONGEST EPR IN AUSTRALIA 

Australia’s national network of container deposit schemes (CDS) continue to represent the strongest and most successful model of extended producer responsibility (EPR) in Australia. CDS is delivering measurable environmental outcomes, including more than 49,000 tonnes of PET plastic diverted from landfill in FY24, while also driving high return rates and community participation nationwide. 

Australia is now the first continent to achieve full container deposit scheme coverage, following the commencement of Tasmania’s scheme, TasRecycle, in May 2025. Since launching, TasRecycle has already surpassed 100 million containers returned, a strong early indication of community uptake and program success. 

We have also seen record returns of containers in Victoria and New South Wales across the summer, demonstrating that these schemes are well-supported and embedded in community behaviour with extensive environmental benefits. 

Importantly, CDS is producing high-quality recycled material that can be returned to food-grade packaging. In NSW, approximately 66 per cent of PET redeemed in FY25 through the scheme is now being remanufactured into recycled PET (rPET). That is circularity in action, keeping valuable materials at their highest use and reducing reliance on virgin plastic. 

As federal, state and territory environment ministers continue to consider broader reforms to Australia’s packaging regulations, it is essential that we build on what is already working.  

Geoff Parker, CEO of the Australian Beverages Council, said the beverage industry has demonstrated that when clear frameworks are in place, manufacturers step up, invest and deliver real outcomes. CDS is proof that well-designed EPR schemes work – for communities, for the environment, and for Australia’s circular economy.

“Packaging reforms must embrace a model of circular responsibility, where packaging manufacturers, brand owners, retailers, and the waste and resource recovery sector each play their part in designing, collecting and processing materials to ensure they remain in the circular economy at their highest possible value,” said Mr Parker. 

A coordinated, evidence-based approach to extended producer responsibility will provide greater certainty and clarity for industry, while recognising the existing leadership and investment made by beverage manufacturers. 

For media enquiries, please get in touch with lauren@ausbev.org