Deposit return schemes and plastic bags in Australian Capital Territory (2026)

Last reviewed: 13 October 2026

In short: The ACT has a container deposit scheme with a refund amount of 10 cents set by regulation. Supplying a single-use plastic shopping bag (polyethylene under 35 microns, or a plastic retail carry bag) is prohibited.

RuleWhat applies
National deposit return scheme in operationDeposit on drinks containersYes [1]
Containers coveredDeposit on drinks containersBeverage containers of 150 mL up to 3 L, Not containers: any beverage container under 150 mL or over 3 L; juice that is at least 90% fruit or vegetable juice and flavoured milk of 1 L or more; plastic or foil wine sachets of 250 mL or more; wine or spirit containers made of glass, any size, Not beverages: concentrated juice to be diluted, cordial, milk other than flavoured milk, registered health tonics [2]
Deposit per containerDeposit on drinks containers0.10 AUD per container [2]
Plastic carrier bag rulePlastic carrier bagsBanned [3]
Price of plastic carrier bagsPlastic carrier bagsA person must not supply a prohibited product, which includes a single-use plastic shopping bag, to another person. The maximum penalty is 50 penalty units. [4]
Bag thickness rulePlastic carrier bagsA single-use plastic shopping bag is a bag made wholly or partly of polyethylene with a thickness of less than 35 microns, or a plastic retail carry bag. Barrier bags, compostable plastic bags, unsealed packaging bags for perishable food and certain fabric carry bags are not included. [3]

Notes

  • The exclusions are set by regulation 24C and Schedule 1A.

Sources

  1. ACT Parliamentary Counsel (ACT legislation register): Waste Management and Resource Recovery Act 2016 (ACT), republication R13, effective 26 November 2025 (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  2. ACT Parliamentary Counsel (ACT legislation register): Waste Management and Resource Recovery Regulation 2017 (ACT), republication R5, effective 26 November 2025 (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  3. ACT Parliamentary Counsel (ACT legislation register): Circular Economy Regulation 2023 (ACT), republication R2, effective 1 January 2024 (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  4. ACT Parliamentary Counsel (ACT legislation register): Circular Economy Act 2023 (ACT), republication R3, effective 16 November 2025 (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources

More rules in Australian Capital Territory

  • E-scootersUse on public roads: Yes, mainly footpaths and shared paths
  • CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 18+ within the limit · Growing at home: Yes, 2 plants per adult, 4 per home
  • Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h
  • Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 17 (provisional licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 years 9 months, with a supervisor
  • Driving after drugsApproach to cannabis (THC): Prescribed drug in system is an offence · THC threshold: Any THC present
  • E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Same rights as bicycles
  • FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (licence or permit needed)
  • Foreign driving licencesOverseas licence valid for a visitor: Yes, while a visitor · Overseas licence after becoming a resident: Permanent visa: ACT licence after 3 months
  • Home educationLegal status of home education: Registration required · Nature of the parental duty: School or registration
  • Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Offence without reasonable excuse · Locking or one-handed knives: Flick and butterfly knives prohibited
  • MopedsLicence: Motorcycle licence (class R)
  • Motorcycles: helmets and licencesHelmet required for the rider: Yes · Helmet required for a passenger: Yes
  • Paid holidayMinimum paid leave a year (weeks): 4 weeks (5 for some shiftworkers) · Minimum paid leave as the law states it: 4 weeks a year; extra week for some shiftworkers
  • Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Mounted or untouched; L/P: no voice use
  • Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
  • Smoke alarms in homesSmoke alarm legally required in homes: Yes, compulsory · Minimum alarms and where: On or near the ceiling in bedrooms or in the corridor that leads to bedrooms, installed as per the manufacturer's instructions and the National Construction Code. A multi-level home needs smoke alarms on each level, interconnected.
  • Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 18 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 18
  • Towing trailers and caravansTrailer mass allowed with a car licence in any combination: Up to 9,000 kg GVM
  • Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 18 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 18
  • Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.05% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.00% (zero)

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.