Northern Territory · Darwin
Container deposit in NT: what you can return
In the Northern Territory, eligible drink containers earn a 10 cent refund under the Container Deposit Scheme, which has run since 2012. Since 1 July 2026 it covers all beverage containers of 3 litres or less, including wine and spirit bottles and plain milk. Return them empty, clean, uncrushed and sorted by material.
Sources NT Government: Container Deposit SchemeNT EPA: container deposit scheme collection depots
What do I do with drink containers in the NT?
- Check the mark Eligible containers carry the scheme's refund mark. If it is missing, check the scheme's eligibility list or app before you bin it.
- Empty it Every scheme wants the container empty. Lids, crushing and sorting rules differ by scheme, so read the state rules below before you bag them up.
- Bag them by type Most depots pay faster if aluminium, glass and plastic are separated.
the NT container deposit scheme has run in the NT since 2012, paying 10c a container. Since 1 July 2026 the scheme covers all beverage containers of 3 litres or less, including wine and spirit bottles and plain milk, long life included. Before that date it covered beer, soft drink and juice-based containers of 3 litres or less plus a limited range of containers of one litre or less. Containers must be registered for sale in the Territory and bought after 3 January 2012. Depots do not have to accept a container that is unclean, contaminated or still has its lid on. Bring containers clean, uncrushed and sorted by material type. Returning more than 1,500 containers in any 48-hour period requires signing a declaration that they were bought in the Territory.
Nearest drop-off: NT EPA — container refund depots (refund points only)
Which containers can I return in the NT?
Since 1 July 2026, all beverage containers of 3 litres or less, including wine and spirit bottles and plain milk containers, long life included. Before that date the Northern Territory scheme covered beer, soft drink and juice-based containers of 3 litres or less plus a limited range of containers of one litre or less. Eligible containers carry the 10c refund marking and must be registered for sale in the Territory.
Do I have to clean or crush containers in the NT?
Clean, yes. Crush, no. A Northern Territory depot does not have to accept a container that is unclean, contaminated or still has its lid on. Bring them clean, uncrushed and sorted into material types, which is also what gets you out of the queue faster. Containers bought before 3 January 2012 cannot be redeemed at all.
Where do I return containers in the Northern Territory?
The NT EPA publishes the list of container collection depots, which is the only Territory-wide official list of its kind. As at 30 June 2026 the Northern Territory Government reported more than 20 commercial depots collecting in over 30 locations across the Territory, alongside charity, school and sporting club donation points. Depots and their hours change, so check the list before you travel.
Is there a limit on how many containers I can return?
There is a declaration threshold rather than a cap. In the Northern Territory, returning more than 1,500 containers within any 48-hour period requires you to sign a declaration that the containers were bought in the Territory. Below that, bring what you have. The refund has been 10 cents a container since the scheme started in 2012.
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