Since the Northern Territory Container Deposit Scheme began in 2012, 1.3 billion beverage containers have been returned with $130 million in refunds, helping keep the Territory cleaner and supporting local jobs.
More than 107 million beverage containers have been returned through the scheme in 2025-26.
Over $10.7 million has been paid in refunds in 2025-26, delivering real economic benefits for Territorians.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government is helping keep the Territory cleaner and delivering more economic benefits for Territorians, with new data showing the success of the Northern Territory’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS).
The Environment Protection (Beverage Containers and Plastic Bags) Act 2011 Annual Report 2025-26 shows that of 117 million containers sold during the year, more than 107 million containers were returned to collection depots, representing a 92 per cent redemption rate.
This resulted in over 5,100 tonnes of container materials being recycled, such as aluminium, plastic and glass, and more than $10.7 million in refunds returned to Territorians, including $2.8 million in regional areas.
Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment Joshua Burgoyne said the results demonstrated the important role Territorians play in protecting the environment.
“Protecting our environment is an important part of restoring our unique Territory lifestyle, and every container returned is one less item ending up in landfill or on our roadsides, in our parks, waterways and natural environment,” Minister Burgoyne said.
“It’s great to see so many Territorians getting behind the CDS to help make our communities cleaner while putting money back in their pockets.”
This marks the ninth consecutive year the scheme has achieved a return rate of 70 per cent or higher, demonstrating its ongoing contribution to waste reduction and the circular economy.
There are now 21 approved collection depots servicing 37 locations across the Northern Territory and an extensive informal collection network. The number of suppliers registered under the scheme increased to 397 at the end of the reporting period, up from 324 in 2024-25.
Minister Burgoyne said recycling delivered benefits beyond reducing waste, helping strengthen the recycling industry and support local jobs, including in remote communities.
“Our Government expanded the CDS here to include all beverage containers up to 3 litres to give Territorians more opportunities to recycle and get a 10 cent refund, reduce waste and contribute to a cleaner environment while supporting the NT’s recycling industry,” he said.
