Scheme coordinator Exchange for Change (EfC), has announced the new fixed price per material type for supplier contributions that fund the Return and Earn NSW container deposit scheme.
The new pricing will come into effect from the February 2026 invoice up to January 2027 (inclusive).
"The NSW community's enthusiasm for Return and Earn is stronger than ever, resulting in over 14 billion bottles, cans and cartons returned through our return point network since the scheme began in 2017," said Danielle Smalley, CEO of scheme coordinator Exchange for Change.
"As part of our annual pricing review, we've conducted robust modelling and reviewed consumer research data to forecast redemption volumes and costs for the period ahead.
"We anticipate strong container return volumes will continue to grow throughout 2026 and into 2027, as more and more individuals, households, businesses and community groups make 'returning and earning' part of their routine," said Ms Smalley.
The NSW scheme operates on a cost-recovery basis and does not make a profit.
Beverage suppliers pay a fixed price per material type to fund the scheme. Supplier contribution pricing is calculated based on the scheme's forecast costs during the pricing period including the 10c refund to consumers. Future pricing is adjusted to factor in any surplus or shortfalls in costs.
EfC recently announced the NSW scheme was moving to invoicing in arrears to harmonise with how invoicing is undertaken in most other Australian jurisdictions. The first arrears invoices were issued in September.
