Deposit return schemes and plastic bags in Tasmania (2026)

Last reviewed: 13 October 2026

In short: Tasmania's Recycle Rewards container refund scheme started on 1 May 2025 with a 10c refund mark on eligible containers. Plastic shopping bags less than 35 microns thick have been banned since 2013.

RuleWhat applies
National deposit return scheme in operationDeposit on drinks containersYes [1]
Containers coveredDeposit on drinks containersSealed beverage containers of 150 millilitres up to and including 3 litres are covered by the scheme; containers designed to hold less than 150 millilitres or more than 3 litres are exempt (Container Refund Scheme Regulations 2023, reg 4(b) and (c)), Other exempt classes include refillable glass containers; containers that held unflavoured milk or unflavoured plant-based milk, concentrated juice or concentrated cordial, or registered therapeutic tonics; containers of 1 litre or more that held flavoured milk or juice of at least 90% fruit or vegetable juice; cardboard containers of 1 litre or more that held wine or water; plastic or foil containers of 250 millilitres or more that held wine; glass containers of wine or spirits (reg 4) [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 bagsThe Plastic Shopping Bags Ban Act 2013 aims to prevent the banned bags from being provided to retail customers. [3]
Bag thickness rulePlastic carrier bagsBanned: plastic shopping bags less than 35 microns thick. [3]

Notes

  • Recycle Rewards started on 1 May 2025. The penalties for missing refund marks are not enforced until 1 November 2026.

Sources

  1. Tasmanian Department of Natural Resources and Environment: Recycle Rewards | Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Tasmanian Legislation Online: Container Refund Scheme Regulations 2023 (consulted 15 October 2026) · all sources
  3. Tasmanian Department of Natural Resources and Environment: Plastic Bag Ban | Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources

More rules in Tasmania

  • E-scootersUse on public roads: Yes, paths and local roads up to 50 km/h · 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 sealed, 80 km/h gravel
  • 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 illicit drug present is an offence · THC threshold: Any THC present
  • E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules
  • FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes, on Cracker Night (permit) · Minimum age to buy: 18 (permit holder)
  • Foreign driving licencesOverseas licence valid for a visitor: Yes, visitors and temporary visa holders · Overseas licence after becoming a resident: Permanent residency: convert within 6 months
  • Home educationLegal status of home education: Registrar approval needed · Nature of the parental duty: School or registration
  • Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Offence without lawful excuse · Locking or one-handed knives: No separate rule
  • MopedsLicence: Motor cycle licence (class R)
  • 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/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 · Minimum alarms and where: A smoke alarm in every hallway or corridor connected to bedrooms (or between the bedrooms and the rest of the home if there is no hallway). Multi-storey homes need an alarm on each level, including levels without bedrooms.
  • 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% · 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.