CDS to recycle glass wine and spirit bottles

Australia’s recycling industry has welcomed new commitments by New South Wales and South Australia to include glass wine and spirit bottles in container deposit schemes (CDS) from 2027. The Northern Territory has sped up the process and will start recycling these glass bottles within six months.

The Australian Council of Recycling (ACOR) has long supported the move, noting that these bottles are highly recyclable, valuable and well-suited to CDS.

“Expanding CDS to glass wine and spirit bottles is a smart step,” said ACOR CEO Suzanne Toumbourou. “It delivers high-quality glass for bottle-to-bottle recycling, cutting emissions, saving energy and strengthening Australia’s circular economy. It’s a win for households, charities and the environment.”

ACOR said glass bottles are infinitely recyclable and can be remade locally, supporting home-grown jobs and reducing reliance on virgin materials.

The organisation also said it would like the CDS to further expand to include more beverage types, including juice concentrates, cordials and larger containers of beverages already in the scheme.

“Container deposit schemes are a fantastic way to recover well-sorted, high-value materials that can be recycled locally,” Toumbourou said. “Keeping the focus on recyclables ensures these programs remain strong, trusted and deliver clear environmental benefits. We’re pleased the NSW and SA Governments will be engaging with peak bodies to make sure these changes deliver positive recycling outcomes.”

The Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association of Australia (WMRR) has also welcomed the move, and hopes the other states follow suit.

“This is a cheers-worthy moment for recycling in Australia! 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,” said Gayle Sloan, CEO of WMRR.

“We applaud NSW, SA and NT for showing leadership, but it’s time for WA and Victoria to join the party. Australia deserves a truly nationally consistent scheme, so wherever you crack a bottle — whether it’s a Barossa red, a Margaret River chardonnay or a Tassie whisky — you can recycle it easily and know it’s going to be a bottle again in Australia.”

WMRR is now calling for WA, Tasmania and Victoria to step up and ensure that Australia has one simple, consistent, 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. 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.”

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