Deposit return schemes and plastic bags in South Australia (2026)

Last reviewed: 13 October 2026

In short: South Australia has had a container deposit scheme since 1977, with a 10-cent refund since 2008. Plastic shopping bags are prohibited under the Single-use and Other Plastic Products (Waste Avoidance) Act 2020.

RuleWhat applies
National deposit return scheme in operationDeposit on drinks containersYes [1]
Containers coveredDeposit on drinks containersRefunds are available for a wide range of beverage containers that bear the approved refund marking and were purchased in South Australia, Glass containers for wine and spirits and juice and flavoured milk containers of 1 litre and above are generally not covered (an expansion to all containers up to 3 litres, excluding plain milk and registered health tonics, has been announced) [2]
Deposit per containerDeposit on drinks containers0.10 AUD per container [1]
Plastic carrier bag rulePlastic carrier bagsBanned [3]
Price of plastic carrier bagsPlastic carrier bagsPlastic shopping bags (plastic bags with handles used to carry goods bought from a retailer) are prohibited rather than charged for. Excluded: bags forming part of packaging sealed before sale, unsealed packaging for perishable food, bags made wholly or partly of listed fabrics (nylon, polyester, woven polypropylene, certain non-woven polypropylene) and certified, labelled compostable bags. [4]
Bag thickness rulePlastic carrier bagsThe definition of a prohibited plastic shopping bag does not use a thickness limit: any plastic bag with handles used to carry goods bought from a retailer is covered unless one of the listed exclusions applies. [4]

Notes

  • The EPA page says the government has announced a commitment to expand the scheme to all beverage containers up to 3 litres. A 2024 amendment bill consultation has concluded. The expansion is not applied here.
  • A regulation exempts the supply of donated plastic shopping bags by or on behalf of a charitable organisation at its charity retail outlets until 31 August 2027.

Sources

  1. South Australian Environment Protection Authority: Container deposit scheme | EPA (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  2. South Australian Environment Protection Authority: FAQs | EPA (container deposit scheme) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  3. South Australian Environment Protection Authority: Single-use plastics | EPA (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  4. Environment Protection Authority (South Australia): Plastic shopping bag: how to decide if this plastic product is banned (EPA 1157/24, issued July 2024) (consulted 15 October 2026) · all sources

More rules in South Australia

  • CannabisPossession for personal use: Offence; usually an expiation notice (fine) · Growing at home: Banned; small numbers expiable
  • 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): Prescribed drug in system is an offence · THC threshold: Any THC detected
  • FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (general use only)
  • Foreign driving licencesOverseas licence valid for a visitor: Yes for short-term visitors · Overseas licence after becoming a resident: Permanent resident: SA licence within 90 days
  • Home educationLegal status of home education: Approval (exemption) needed · Nature of the parental duty: School attendance
  • Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Offence under s 21E (details not read)
  • MopedsLicence: Any SA 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: Mounted, or used without touching; L/P1: 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
  • Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 18 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 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: 0.05%

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