Deposit return schemes and plastic bags in New South Wales (2026)

Last reviewed: 13 October 2026

In short: New South Wales runs the Return and Earn scheme with a 10-cent refund on most 150 millilitre to 3 litre drink containers. Lightweight plastic shopping bags with handles (35 microns or less) have been banned since 1 June 2022.

RuleWhat applies
National deposit return scheme in operationDeposit on drinks containersYes [1]
Containers coveredDeposit on drinks containersMost empty drink containers of 150 millilitres to 3 litres are eligible; containers carry a 10c refund marking, Not eligible: milk containers, glass wine bottles, glass spirit bottles, juice bottles of 1 litre and over, cordial bottles, Containers must be empty, uncrushed, unbroken and have the original label attached [1]
Deposit per containerDeposit on drinks containers0.10 AUD per container [1]
Plastic carrier bag rulePlastic carrier bagsBanned [2]
Price of plastic carrier bagsPlastic carrier bagsLightweight plastic shopping bags with handles are banned and may not be supplied. [2]
Bag thickness rulePlastic carrier bagsBanned: lightweight plastic shopping bags with handles that are 35 microns or less in thickness. [2]

Notes

  • Eligibility is checked by the 10c refund marking or the EPA container search.

Sources

  1. NSW Environment Protection Authority: Return and Earn | EPA (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  2. NSW Environment Protection Authority: About the plastics bans | EPA (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources

More rules in New South Wales

  • E-scootersUse on public roads: Banned (private e-scooters) · Minimum age: 16
  • CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence · Growing at home: Banned
  • Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 100 km/h
  • Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 17 (P1 licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 16, with a supervisor
  • Driving after drugsApproach to cannabis (THC): Any trace is an offence · THC threshold: Any active THC
  • E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules · Minimum age: None at present (12-16 planned)
  • FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (licence needed)
  • Foreign driving licencesOverseas licence valid for a visitor: Yes, up to 6 months as a temporary visitor · Overseas licence after becoming a resident: Permanent resident: NSW licence within 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: Auto-opening knives prohibited
  • 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: Cradle only, touch limited; L/P: none
  • 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, all homes · Minimum alarms and where: At least one working smoke alarm complying with Australian Standard 3786 on each level of the premises.
  • Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 18
  • 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: Under 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.