A TOAST TO RECYCLING:  WMRR WELCOMES CDS EXPANSION TO WINE AND SPIRITS

3 September 2025

The Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association of Australia (WMRR) has welcomed today’s announcements from New South Wales, South Australia, and the Northern Territory to expand their Container Deposit Schemes (CDS) to include wine and spirit bottles – and is calling on all states to follow suit.

From 2027, NSW and SA residents will be able to get cash back for their favourite Shiraz or gin bottles, while the NT has moved quickly, passing bold reforms to include wine and spirits within six (6) months.

“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.”