Why
20 Cents
Makes Sense
A 10¢ refund might have been enough when Australia’s Container Deposit Schemes (CDS) were first introduced. But in 2025, it’s simply not enough. The value has eroded, and our environment, economy, and communities are missing out. Doubling the refund to 20 cents isn’t just a small change; it’s a powerful upgrade that will have a significant impact across Australia. 20 Cents Makes Sense.
Here's why 20 Cents Makes Sense for you, your family, and our future:
More Money in Your Pocket, No Extra Cost.
Get $40 back for 200 containers – double the current $20! This directly helps with cost-of-living pressures for participating households and charities.
No hidden fees. Evidence shows higher refunds don’t significantly impact beverage sales or add costs to consumers who return containers.
Cleaner Environment, Less Waste.
Current 10¢ schemes underperform (e.g., QLD ~67% return rate). A 20¢ refund could boost returns to 90%+, diverting hundreds of millions of containers from landfill and cutting litter by more than half.
More Recycling, More Jobs
More high-quality materials for Australian remanufacturing means growth for local businesses, reducing emissions and creating jobs across the supply chain.
Increasing recycling by just 5% could add $1 billion to Australia’s GDP and create more local employment opportunities for Australian businesses and workers.
Overwhelming Public Support.
You’re not alone: 85% of Australians support a 20¢ refund, and 84% say they’d participate more. It’s time our policies reflected this strong public will.