How Can We Help You?
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I pay more for my drinks if the refund increases to 20¢?
Absolutely not, if you return your containers! The refund is fully recoverable, making it a net financial benefit for participants and putting more money back in your pocket. Evidence shows no significant impact on beverage sales, and beverage companies are responsible for scheme fees, not consumers who recycle.
How will increasing the refund to 20¢ help families and charities?
The 20 cents refund offers a significant direct income boost for charities, sports clubs, and especially low-income households. For example, a family returning 200 containers monthly would receive $40, doubling their current return and providing valuable cost-of-living relief.
What is a Container Deposit Scheme?
Container Deposit Schemes (CDS) are designed to boost beverage container recycling and reduce litter by attaching a refundable deposit to eligible containers. When consumers purchase a beverage covered by the scheme, they pay a small deposit (currently just 10 cents per container), which is then fully refunded when they return the empty container to a designated collection point, such as reverse vending machines, depots, or collection points at retail outlets.
Implemented across States and Territories, the CDS aims to incentivise responsible disposal, increase the recovery of high-quality recyclable materials, and contribute to a more circular economy by diverting significant volumes of plastic, glass, and metal containers from landfill and waterways.
Why does the refund need to increase now?
To illustrate this decline, Australia’s original 5 cents CDS refund would be equivalent to approximately 40 cents today.
How does a higher refund benefit the economy and create jobs?
How will a 20¢ refund boost recycling rates?
Increases to refund amounts are proven to dramatically increase recycling. South Australia’s previous increase from 5 cents to 10 cents boosted returns by 16%, and international schemes with higher refunds consistently achieve over 90% return rates.
Will a 20¢ refund help reduce litter and landfill?
Absolutely. Despite current efforts, billions of containers still end up as litter or in landfill annually. While New South Wales’ 10 cents scheme reduced eligible container litter by an impressive 52%, a 20 cents refund has the potential to push this figure much closer to 100%, leading to significantly cleaner communities.
Is there public support for increasing the refund?
Public support for increasing the refund to 20 cents is overwhelming across Australia. A staggering 85% of Australians back the increase, with 84% stating they would participate more, and over 60% believing it will help ease cost-of-living pressures.
How can I support the 20 Cents Makes Sense campaign?
- Share our message on social media using #20CentsMakesSense #20CentCDS.
- Contact your local State and Federal MP to raise your support for the campaign.
- Keep returning your containers!
Still have questions?
Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Feel free to reach to us with your queries.
Visit Us at
Address: Incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua-XX
Email Support
Send us an email and we will respond to your queries
Phone Support
Call us directly Mon-Fri, 9 AM - 6 PM GMT