NSW Environmental Protection Agency NSW Government
 

Information for suppliers of drink containers

This page provides information for beverage suppliers on container eligibility, container approvals and participation in the NSW Return and Earn container deposit scheme.

Anyone who supplies drink containers in NSW must ensure that all drink containers that are eligible for the Return and Earn container deposit scheme (CDS) have a container approval.

A container approval means:

  • empty drink containers can be returned for a 10c refund
  • returned drink containers can be recycled

Step 1: Should you be part of the scheme?

Any drink container that is eligible for the Return and Earn scheme must comply with the Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery (Container Deposit Scheme) Regulation 2017.

  • The scheme recycles collected aluminium, PET, HDPE and glass containers back into drinks containers. Suppliers are encouraged to use single material containers and natural material colours. Though some other materials are recyclable, they may not be recycled in Australia. Adding colours to your materials may reduce recyclability. If you have questions, get in touch by email to [email protected]
  • You can check if your containers have an approval using the container search tool or reach out to us for assistance checking your stock list. Other things to check are outlined in step 3.
  • If your container is not yet approved
    • Speak to your supplier about their obligations to only supply approved containers; or
    • If you are the first supplier in NSW, see Step 3 on how to apply for an approval.
    • Check the guidance information to find out if you are a first supplier or contact Exchange for Change to discuss

Step 2: Participate in the Return and Earn scheme

All first suppliers of an eligible drink container in NSW must enter into a Supply Arrangement with the scheme coordinator Exchange for Change to contribute to the costs of the Return and Earn container deposit scheme.

To register as a supplier, read about supplier arrangements, scheme payments and contribution methodology visit the Exchange for Change website or contact Exchange for Change on 1800 813 887 or [email protected].

First supplier definition and responsibilities

The first supplier is the owner of an eligible container first supplied into NSW. This may be the container’s manufacturer, distributors or retailers.

If you are a first supplier, you are required to

Step 3: Apply for approvals and essential requirements

All drink suppliers need a container approval from the EPA for each unique eligible drink container they supply in NSW. It is unlawful to supply beverage containers that are eligible for the scheme but have not been approved by NSW EPA, and penalties may apply.

You can help the scheme by using highly recyclable materials in your beverage containers to improve the circular economy.

Contact us if you want more information.

A unique drink container is generally defined by its:

  • unique barcode
  • set of physical dimensions
  • beverage type
  • container material type
  • container colour (for PET or glass)

An approval is needed for each unique container

  • A container approval only applies to the class of container specified in your application.
  • The approval cannot be transferred to another class of container.
  • If a container is altered, such as by changing the barcode, material type, dimensions or contents, a new application for approval is required.
  • Changes to the artwork on a container or its label do not require a new approval.

Container approvals are subject to conditions

NSW refund mark

Every eligible beverage container must show the NSW refund marking with the words “10c refund" at collection depots/points in participating State/Territory of purchase in clear and legible characters.

eligible bottles return and earn
  • Compliance with the refund marking is mandatory and applies at all points in the supply chain.
  • All suppliers and retailers in NSW are liable for ensuring the containers they supply show the correct refund marking.
  • The refund marking can be included on the product label or be printed directly onto containers.
  • Suppliers and retailers with stock that does not have the refund mark can use stick-on labels to make it compliant.
Barcode requirement

Containers supplied into NSW must comply with the barcode requirement.

  • Barcodes must be unique to their class of containers, and either a GTIN barcode, or an 8-13-digit barcode that complies with the GS1 Standard.
Prohibited lids

Cans must not have removable ring-pull lids​ such as 360 end lids or pull tabs that fully detach from the can. Container approvals will not be granted for cans with these types of lids.

cans with removable lids accepted and not accepted

How to apply for a container approval

Application fees no longer apply. To apply for a container approval:

  1. Go to the NSW CDS Container Approval Portal
  2. Apply for a NSW EPA portal account for your business
  3. When your business is approved, you will receive a login and password.
  4. Confirm your container has not already been submitted for approval using the container search tool.
  5. Apply for container approvals for your beverage containers.
  6. We will let you know when your application has been approved or contact you to discuss your container.

Ongoing Requirements/Information

Reporting of supply volumes

Beverage suppliers agree to report their supply volumes to Exchange for Change through their supplier portal and pay their contribution. This contribution funds scheme operation, administration and systems management. It also includes the 10c refund for each container that is returned, noting consumers may return containers at a return point or in their kerbside recycling bins.

Approval reviews, suspension and revocations

 The EPA uses active compliance measures where necessary to ensure all eligible containers meet the legislated requirements. 

We periodically review existing container approvals for compliance and may refuse, suspend, revoke or apply conditions to an approval for the following reasons:

  • a container does not have a compliant barcode​, refund marking​ or can lid​ (suppliers may also be subject to penalties)
  • a supply arrangement is not in force, or has expired, been terminated, or contravened by the supplier
  • the product is composed of materials unsuitable for recycling [Hd1]
  • the EPA considers the container no longer suitable for the proper operation of the scheme, such as for reuse, recycling, or that it increases the potential for litter
  • a supplier applies to have the container approval revoked

We notify suppliers if we intend to refuse, apply conditions, suspend or revoke a container approval. Suppliers have an opportunity to provide comments and have their views considered before a final decision is issued.

Container approval holders should ensure the details of their container approvals are recorded correctly in the NSW CDS Container Approval Portal to avoid unnecessary compliance action.

Transferring container approvals 

You should transfer your container approvals to another supplier when the following applies to you:

  • cease supply of a specific beverage and another supplier becomes the first supplier
  • cease to operate as a beverage supplier to the NSW market
  • have your ABN deregistered or cancelled
  • exit the Container Deposit Scheme, Return and Earn

To request a transfer of your container approval please provide proof of agreement and details of the receiving supplier to [email protected] 

If you do not transfer your container approval but we believe the container is no longer being supplied by you, your container approval may be revoked or transferred to another supplier.

Container approvals cannot be transferred to another beverage product.

Fact sheets