The Northern Territory Container Deposit Scheme (NT CDS) will expand on 1 July 2026, introducing new requirements for beverage suppliers operating in the Territory.

Under the expansion, all beverage containers up to 3 litres in volume will become regulated containers under the scheme. This means products such as wine, spirits and plain milk containers will now be included in the Northern Territory CDS.

For beverage companies supplying products into the Territory, it is important to understand the compliance requirements and ensure the correct Supplier Arrangement – Waste Management Arrangement (WMA) is in place with an authorised CDS Coordinator before the expansion takes effect.

What is the Northern Territory Container Deposit Scheme?

The Northern Territory Container Deposit Scheme was introduced in January 2012, making the NT one of the first Australian jurisdictions to implement container deposit legislation.

The scheme provides a 10-cent refund for eligible beverage containers returned to approved collection depots across the Territory.

Since its introduction, the program has delivered significant environmental and economic benefits:

• Over 500 million containers recovered since 2012
• More than $11 million returned to Territory communities in a single year
• Participation from households, schools, charities and community groups
• Recovery volumes increasing by more than 30%

The CDS continues to play an important role in improving recycling outcomes while supporting communities across the Northern Territory.

What the 2026 Expansion Means for Beverage Suppliers

From 1 July 2026, more beverage products will fall under the scheme. If your business supplies beverage containers into the Northern Territory, you must ensure:

• Your containers display the approved CDS refund marking
• Containers and labels are suitable for recycling
• A valid Supplier Arrangement – Waste Management Arrangement (WMA) is in place with an authorised CDS Coordinator

A CDS Coordinator is responsible for managing supplier arrangements and ensuring beverage containers supplied into the market comply with the Container Deposit Scheme.

Without a WMA supplier arrangement with an authorised CDS Coordinator, regulated beverage containers cannot legally be supplied into the Northern Territory market.

Work With an Authorised CDS Coordinator

Envirobank is an authorised CDS Coordinator for the Northern Territory Container Deposit Scheme.

We work with beverage manufacturers, importers and distributors that supply regulated containers into the NT and require a Supplier Arrangement (WMA).

As a CDS Coordinator, Envirobank helps beverage suppliers:

• Establish compliant Waste Management Arrangements (WMA)
• Meet NT Container Deposit Scheme requirements
• Ensure containers meet refund marking and recyclability standards
• Supply containers legally into the Northern Territory CDS

Operating independently from the beverage industry, we help extend 100% clean recycling and the 10¢ refund system to every corner of the Territory.

Envirobank is also Indigenous-owned and locally operated in the Northern Territory, helping create local opportunities while caring for Country.

Recycling Creates Opportunity in the Territory

In the Northern Territory, recycling is not waste — it is a resource.

Responsible container recovery supports environmental protection, community participation and local economic opportunities.

Through the CDS, returned containers contribute to cleaner communities while ensuring valuable materials remain in the circular economy.

Prepare for the NT CDS Expansion

With the 2026 CDS expansion approaching, beverage suppliers should review their product range and confirm whether any containers will fall under the new regulations.

If your products will be included in the expanded scheme, now is the time to register a Supplier Arrangement (WMA) with an authorised CDS Coordinator.

Our team can help you establish your WMA and ensure your beverage containers remain compliant in the Northern Territory Container Deposit Scheme.

👉 Register your Supplier Arrangement with Envirobank