Deposit return schemes and plastic bags in New Zealand (2026)

Last reviewed: 30 October 2026

In short: New Zealand has no drinks-container deposit scheme; the Government deferred one in March 2023. Single-use plastic shopping bags with handles, up to 70 microns thick, have been banned since 1 July 2019.

RuleWhat applies
National deposit return scheme in operationDeposit on drinks containersNo [1]
Containers coveredDeposit on drinks containers⚠ Not yet verified
Deposit per containerDeposit on drinks containers⚠ Not yet verified
Plastic carrier bag rulePlastic carrier bagsBanned [2]
Price of plastic carrier bagsPlastic carrier bagsThere is no charging scheme: from 1 July 2019 retailers can no longer sell or distribute single-use plastic shopping bags to customers for carrying or distributing goods. [2]
Bag thickness rulePlastic carrier bagsThe ban covers new or unused plastic shopping bags with carry handles (including die-cut handles) made of any plastic less than 70 microns thick, including bio-based, biodegradable, compostable and oxo-degradable plastics. Not covered: bags without handles (such as barrier bags for meat or produce), bin liners, pet-waste or nappy bags, bags forming part of product packaging, bags that contain no plastic, and long-life synthetic fabric bags between 45 and 70 microns. [2]

Notes

  • The Ministry page (last updated 27 January 2025) says the Government decided in March 2023 to defer a beverage container return scheme. The page does not state the position after that date.

Sources

  1. Ministry for the Environment: Container Return Scheme for Aotearoa New Zealand (Internet Archive snapshot of 17 September 2026) (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Ministry for the Environment: Single-use plastic shopping bag ban: Facts for businesses (Internet Archive snapshot of 7 June 2026) (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources

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