Western Australia will broaden its container deposit scheme, known as Containers for Change, starting on 1 July 2026. This expansion will allow a significantly wider range of beverage containers to qualify for a 10 cent refund at participating refund points. The initiative aims to enhance recycling efforts and reduce waste across the state.
The updated scheme will accept nearly all beverage containers between 150 millilitres and 3 litres. This includes glass bottles for wine and spirits, along with other previously excluded containers such as wine in plastic packaging, sachets, casks, and larger containers for juice and flavored milk. Until the changes take effect, the current list of eligible containers remains unchanged. Only containers labeled with the scheme’s refund mark will qualify for the refund, which applies solely to purchases made after the expansion begins.
The Containers for Change scheme was launched on 1 October 2020 and has since collected over 4.56 billion eligible containers. The recovery rate for beverage containers in Western Australia has increased from about 34 percent prior to the scheme to approximately 65 percent during the 2023–24 financial year. The state government anticipates that the expansion will introduce an additional 200 million containers annually into the refund system, with between 90 million and 130 million glass bottles previously not included.
Boosting Recycling Infrastructure and Compliance
The expansion of the container deposit scheme represents a strategic effort to simplify the process for consumers and improve recycling rates. By aligning more closely with similar initiatives in other Australian jurisdictions, the scheme aims to provide clearer container eligibility and support recycling infrastructure throughout the state.
Under the new framework, beverage suppliers who first sell eligible containers in Western Australia will be accountable for scheme fees and compliance. From July 2026, suppliers of newly eligible wine and spirit containers must ensure these products are registered, carry the refund mark and barcode, and meet reporting requirements.
This development not only reinforces Western Australia’s commitment to waste reduction but also maintains the existing 10 cent refund model at participating refund points. The initiative is expected to further enhance the state’s recycling capabilities while providing a straightforward solution for consumers.
The information presented here is based on an article originally published by Packaging Gateway, a brand owned by GlobalData. It is intended for general informational purposes and should not be viewed as professional advice.
