Deposit return schemes and plastic bags in Queensland (2026)

Last reviewed: 13 October 2026

In short: Queensland has a container refund scheme under the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011; the refund amount was not read. The plastic shopping bag ban applies to all retailers and allows only thick, durable bags with at least 80% recycled content or certified compostable bags.

RuleWhat applies
National deposit return scheme in operationDeposit on drinks containersYes [1]
Containers coveredDeposit on drinks containersA container made to hold a beverage and, when filled, to be sealed for storage, transport and handling before being sold for the beverage to be consumed (s 99M(1)(a)), Further containers can be included, or excluded, by regulation (s 99M(1)(b) and (2)) [1]
Deposit per containerDeposit on drinks containers0.10 AUD per container [2]
Plastic carrier bag rulePlastic carrier bagsBanned [3]
Price of plastic carrier bagsPlastic carrier bagsThe ban applies to all retailers, for in-store and online sales. Only plastic film shopping bags that meet the listed conditions may be supplied. The page read does not mention a charge. [3]
Bag thickness rulePlastic carrier bagsPlastic film shopping bags must be 35 micrometres or more thick, made from at least 80% recycled content, and durable enough to carry 10 kg for at least 125 uses, each verified by a recognised programme or test. Certified compostable bags are allowed if wholly compostable plastic, 35 micrometres or more and durable to the same standard. [3]

Notes

  • The Act establishes the container refund scheme. The refund amount and further container inclusions and exclusions are set in a regulation that was not read.

Sources

  1. Queensland Parliamentary Counsel (Queensland legislation): Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011 (current as at 16 June 2026) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Queensland Government: About Containers for Change - qld.gov.au (consulted 15 October 2026) · all sources
  3. Business Queensland: Plastic bag ban in Queensland | Business Queensland (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources

More rules in Queensland

  • E-scootersUse on public roads: Yes, paths and roads up to 60 km/h · Minimum age: 16 (12-17 if supervised)
  • 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 (110 km/h where signed)
  • 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): Zero tolerance · THC threshold: Any trace of THC
  • E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules plus age and licence · Minimum age: 16 (12-17 if supervised)
  • FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (unrestricted only)
  • Foreign driving licencesOverseas licence valid for a visitor: Yes, while visiting · Overseas licence after becoming a resident: Citizen or resident visa: Queensland 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: Some one-hand opening knives category M
  • MopedsLicence: Class RE or car licence
  • 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: Open/P2 only; L/P1 under 25: 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: A smoke alarm in each bedroom. For each storey with bedrooms: in the hallway that a bedroom door opens onto (or, if a bedroom has no door to a hallway, in the part of the storey between that bedroom and the rest of the dwelling). For a storey with no bedrooms: on the most likely path of travel to an exit. All alarms must be interconnected.
  • Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 18
  • Towing trailers and caravans
  • 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)

Compare with the other states and provinces →

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