While the rest of Australia raises a glass to expanded Container Deposit Schemes (CDS), Tasmania is in danger of being left out of the party.
New South Wales, South Australia and the Northern Territory have all made the commendable move to include wine and spirit bottles in their CDS programs, and it’s high time the Apple Isle followed suit.
From 2027, our mainland counterparts will be getting cash back for their favourite Shiraz and gin bottles, with the NT even pushing through bold reforms within six months. This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about a cleaner environment, a stronger economy, and a truly consistent national recycling effort.
“This is a cheers-worthy moment for recycling in Australia!” declared Gayle Sloan, CEO of the Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association of Australia (WMRR).
“Expanding CDS to include wine and spirit bottles is a win-win – it keeps valuable glass out of landfill, reduces litter in our parks and public places, creates jobs, and puts money back in the pockets of everyday Australians.”
Tasmania prides itself on its pristine natural beauty and our commitment to sustainability. Yet, when it comes to a nationally consistent CDS, we’re lagging. Imagine a future where every bottle, from a celebrated Tamar Valley sparkling to a local whisky, can be easily recycled, contributing to a circular economy and generating refunds for Tasmanians.
The success of these schemes is undeniable. Since the NT’s program began in 2012, Territorians have returned over one billion containers, generating more than $100 million in refunds.
This isn’t just about reducing waste; it’s about empowering consumers and supercharging recycling rates across the country.
WMRR is now directly calling for Tasmania, along with Western Australia and Victoria, to step up and ensure Australia has one simple, national approach to CDS – without delay.
“We know Australians are passionate about recycling, and this reform is about making it easier, fairer and more effective,” Sloan added. “With nationally consistent CDS settings, industry can plan with confidence, investment can flow, and we can deliver the clean, high-value recycled materials that are crucial to a circular economy.”
Tasmania, let’s not be the state that falls behind. Our beautiful landscapes, our thriving local producers, and our environmentally conscious community deserve a recycling scheme that is as progressive and comprehensive as any in the nation.
It’s time for our government to act, to join the growing movement, and ensure that when we crack a bottle of our famous Tassie whisky or savour a fine local wine, we know it’s going to a good use – for our environment and our future.
Let’s raise a glass to a greener, more sustainable Tasmania – and get those wine and spirit bottles into our CDS now!
Media release – Helen Burnet MP, Greens Waste Spokesperson, 4 September 2025
Tasmania Should Follow Mainland Container Deposit Expansions
With announcements from New South Wales and South Australia that their container deposit schemes are expanding to include larger bottles like wine and spirits, it’s time for Tasmania to follow suit.
The long anticipated launch of Tasmania’s container deposit scheme has been a resounding success. Millions of containers have already been recycled, ensuring waste is diverted from our environment and landfill. It has the added benefit of putting money back in Tasmanians’ pockets during a cost of living crisis.
It’s why the Greens had been calling for this change for more than a decade. Tasmania became the last state to implement a container deposit scheme earlier this year after legislation was finally passed in 2022. Its early success clearly shows that Tasmanians want to support recycling programs and reduce waste.
Other states, like New South Wales and South Australia, have had container deposit schemes for years. They’ve now expanded their program to allow the recycling of larger bottles like wine and spirits.
It’s time for Tasmania to catch up. The government should expand their successful container deposit scheme to include larger bottles, encouraging Tasmanians to be even more responsible with their waste. We need a nationally consistent container deposit scheme.
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