What’s in and what’s out?

Most 150ml to 3L beverage containers will be eligible for a 10c refund provided they are made from glass, plastic, aluminium, steel or liquid paperboard.

All eligible containers will have a 10c label, so you can also look for the 10c mark on pack, which is typically near the barcode.

Eligible

Most drink containers between 150mL and 3L are eligible.

  • Aluminium cans
  • Plastic bottles
  • Glass bottles
  • Cartons (under 1L)
  • Steel bottles/cans
Look for the 10¢ mark on your containers*
10¢
Refund at collection depots/points in participating state/territory of purchase

Ineligible

Many of these containers can still be recycled in your kerbside bins.

  • Wine/spirit glass bottles
  • Plain milk containers
  • Cartons (1L and over)
  • Cordial bottles
  • Plastic containers (under 150mL)

Preparing and collecting your drink containers

A stack of blue drink container lids

Please don’t crush your drink containers

Containers returned need a readable barcode so they can be scanned. To ensure you have a smooth refund process we recommend you don’t crush cans or drink containers.

Lids should be left on

They can be recycled too

Container FAQ’s

What types of containers can I return?

Recycle Rewards is a beverage industry scheme, therefore the eligible products are common drink containers. Food containers, such as tuna cans or single-use takeaway containers, are not included in the scheme. 

Does my container need to have a label or barcode?

Drink containers returned through Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) need a readable barcode so they can be scanned to make sure they are eligible.

Refund point operators may find it difficult to recognise containers as eligible, so acceptance at depots is at their discretion.

What condition do my empty drink containers have to be in?

Containers need to be empty – and we also encourage lids on, helping to make sure every part of your container is recycled.

What can’t be returned?

There are some beverage containers that are not accepted. Generally excluded containers are those that are less than 150mL and greater than 3 litres. Many of these containers can still be recycled in your kerbside bins.

Excluded containers include:

  • Plain milk containers of all sizes including plant-based milk substitutes
  • Wine or pure spirits bottles made of glass
  • Containers 1L or greater that contained flavoured milk, pure fruit or vegetable juice, cask wine or cask water
  • Carton Poppers (juice boxes) less than 150mL that contained flavoured milk, pure fruit or vegetable juice
  • Concentrated/undiluted cordial or syrup containers
  • Sachets (soft plastic or foil) above 250ml that have contained wine
  • Registered health tonics (including small probiotic bottles)
For more information check out our FAQ’s

* 10c mark indicates eligibility in most cases

Eligible container search

Enter the product name or barcode to search for eligible containers. Filter by product type or material type to refine your search.

You can also check the packaging for the 10c mark, often located near the barcode.