Barcodes for Container Deposit Schemes
Our barcodes are suitable for use in the Container Deposit Schemes.
CDS databases use barcodes (EAN and UPC) as the container identifier.
Container Deposit Schemes [CDS] are also known as Container Refund Schemes [CRS] or Deposit Return Schemes [DRS]. They are now standard across Australia with the beverage industry taking responsibility for recovering and recycling empty beverage containers.
CDS are part of an environmental management strategy that reduces the number of beverage containers entering our environment or landfills, increases recycling rates, and creates a clean waste stream to drive a circular economy.
Many clients use our barcodes on their beer, spirit, kombucha and juice containers. Our barcodes are compatible with CDS systems.
e.g. Noosa Beer, Bailey Brewing, Mr Banks Brewing, Mailer McGuire Kombucha
CDS Schemes
Search eligible containers database in Victoria CDS.
Benefits of Barcodes for Container Deposit Schemes
As of February 2025, over 20 billion containers have been recycled under Australia’s Container Deposit Schemes (CDS).
In New South Wales, 11 billion containers have been returned since December 2017, with $1.1 billion refunded.
Queensland’s “Containers for Change” program has recycled over 10 billion containers since November 2018, refunding $900 million.
South Australia, the pioneer of CDS, maintains a 76.4% return rate and has recycled billions since 1977.
Victoria’s CDS, launched in November 2023, has recycled over 1 billion containers in its first year.
Western Australia’s “Containers for Change” scheme has saved over 3 billion containers from landfill.
By February 2022, the ACT’s CDS had returned 300 million containers for recycling.
Tasmania’s “Recycle Rewards” scheme started on May 1, 2025, to reduce litter and boost recycling rates.