Deposit return schemes and plastic bags in Victoria (2026)

Last reviewed: 13 October 2026

In short: Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme gives a 10-cent refund on most drink containers of 150 millilitres to 3 litres. Retailers may not sell or provide plastic bags with handles that are 35 micrometres thick or less.

RuleWhat applies
National deposit return scheme in operationDeposit on drinks containersYes [1]
Containers coveredDeposit on drinks containersMost drink containers made of aluminium, glass, plastic and carton between 150 mL and 3 litres, Not eligible: containers under 150 mL or over 3 litres, plain milk, concentrated cordial or syrup, wine and pure spirits in glass, some large juice containers, Pure fruit and vegetable juice and flavoured milk: eligible below 1 litre [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 bagsRetailers may not sell or provide the banned plastic bags, including new or reused degradable, biodegradable and compostable bags. Bags with handles are allowed if thicker than 35 micrometres or a vital part of the packaging. [3]
Bag thickness rulePlastic carrier bagsBanned: plastic bags with handles, all or partly plastic, that carry goods sold from the premises and are 35 micrometres thick or less at any part of the bag. [3]

Notes

  • The eligibility rules are on the scheme's own website, which the EPA Victoria page names as the official scheme website. No legislation text was read.
  • The amount is stated on the official scheme website. No EPA Victoria page or legislation giving the amount was read.

Sources

  1. Environment Protection Authority Victoria: Container Deposit Scheme | epa.vic.gov.au (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  2. CDS Vic (official scheme website linked from EPA Victoria): Eligible containers - CDS Vic (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  3. Environment Protection Authority Victoria: Plastic bags | epa.vic.gov.au (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources

More rules in Victoria

  • E-scootersUse on public roads: Yes, paths and roads up to 60 km/h · Minimum age: 16
  • CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence; small amounts max 5 penalty units · 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: 18 (probationary licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 16
  • Driving after drugsApproach to cannabis (THC): Any amount of THC is an offence · THC threshold: Any amount of THC
  • E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules
  • FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (licensed only)
  • Foreign driving licencesOverseas licence valid for a visitor: Yes, if living in Victoria under 6 months · Overseas licence after becoming a resident: Convert if living in Victoria 6+ months
  • Home educationLegal status of home education: Registration required · Nature of the parental duty: School or registration
  • Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Controlled weapon; excuse needed · Locking or one-handed knives: Flick and butterfly 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: Mounted/built-in only; 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: One per level, plus by 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)

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