♻️ Global Recycling Day: How Container Deposit Schemes Are Transforming Australia
Global Recycling Day is an opportunity to reflect on the powerful actions driving Australia’s transition to a Circular Economy. One of the most impactful of these is the continued expansion of container refund schemes across the country.With TOMRA Cleanaway operating networks in New South Wales, Victoria’s West Zone, and Tasmania, these programs are reshaping recycling behaviours, improving material quality, and delivering cleaner, healthier communities.
A National Milestone in Resource Recovery
In 2025, Australia became the first continent with full container refund scheme coverage, following the launch of Tasmania’s Recycle Rewards program. The deposit‑and‑refund model remains one of the most effective waste‑reduction tools globally—dramatically lifting return rates, reducing litter, and empowering millions of Australians to take part in everyday climate action.
Bales of Alu headed for international markets
Scaling Circular Value Through Strong Networks
As Network Operator, TOMRA Cleanaway is building systems that are convenient, community‑focused, technology based, highly accessible and commercially sustainable. Across Australia, this means over 910 collection points that provide access.
- The recently delivered Recycle Rewards network in Tasmania, delivered the community a technology based network of refund points that provide 85% of residents with access within 10 km of home—through bulk container recycling depots and Reverse Vending Machines.
- Lessons from NSW’s Return and Earn network—where 3 in 4 adults now participate regularly—are driving strong early engagement.
- In Victoria’s West Zone, technology principles were implemented early and consumers eagerly adopted use of the CDS Vic West Zone app to transact and manage their relationship with the scheme and TOMRA Cleanaway’s network.
Community partnerships continue to be a cornerstone of success. In New South Wales, organisations like Guide Dogs, CMRI (Jeans for Genes), and Food Bank have joined the scheme and partnered with TOMRA Cleanaway to encourage support from their participants and have created long term social impact through donation opportunities.
A Journey Since 2017
Reflecting on the TOMRA Cleanaway journey since 2017, James Dorney CEO of the joint venture between global leader in technology, TOMRA and Australia’s largest resource recovery, and waste management company, Cleanaway said;
James Dorney, CEO stands at the Eastern Creek Sorting Facility in January 2026
“On Global Recycling Day, we recognise the collaboration between industry, government and communities that makes container refund schemes such a success. By capturing clean, high‑value materials at scale, we’re accelerating Australia’s shift toward a more circular and resilient resource system.”
James Dorney, CEO, TOMRA Cleanaway
🌱 Measurable Environmental Impact
The results speak for themselves. CSIRO research shows a 39% decline in coastal plastic pollution over the past decade, supported by the influence of container refund schemes and community clean‑ups. Beverage container litter in participating states, including NSW, continues to fall significantly—showing the clear environmental return from structured container recovery systems.
🤝 A Future Built on Collective Action
On Global Recycling Day, we’re reminded that every bottle, can, and carton returned contributes to a stronger, more circular Australia. Through collaboration between governments, operators, industry, and communities, these schemes are delivering cleaner environments, higher‑value recycled materials, and new opportunities for local manufacturing.
Every container counts—and together, Australians are proving it.
Read our recent article regarding high container returns over summer here, Recycling Surges as Aussies Turn Containers Into Cash
