Take action for a container deposit return scheme
Widespread support calling for the introduction of a container return scheme
On 24 February 2025, a coalition of 84 companies, councils and not for profit organisations have written to the NZ Government asking them to modernise how we handle waste and litter in New Zealand by starting a container return scheme. This included organisations as diverse and significant as Woolworths, Foodstuffs NZ, Coca Cola, BP, The Warehouse, The University of Auckland, the NZ Beverage Council, the Zero Waste Network and 24 councils, spanning from the Far North to Dunedin.
You can view the letter here or download the PDF here.
Register for our Zoom webinar on 29 April 1-2pm!
Come to our second Zoom webinar
Join us for the next webinar in the container deposit return scheme series on 29 April at 1-2pm as we explore targets, checks and balances. This session will cover:
- Producer responsibility
- Revenue flows
- Deposit financial model
- Recovery targets
- International insights from TOMRA
- Q&A
Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of scheme design! Bring along your questions, there’ll be time for Q&A.
Zoom link here (no registration required): https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82803441647
Receive news & updates on the container return scheme
Widespread support
2025 – Widespread support calling for the introduction of a container return scheme
On 24 February 2025, a coalition of 84 companies, councils and not for profit organisations wrote to the NZ Government asking them to modernise how we handle waste and litter in New Zealand by starting a container return scheme. Find out more here.
2023 – 89% support from consumers
A Kantar 2023 survey found that a container return scheme is very appealing to New Zealand consumers, with positive support from 89% of respondents.
2023 – WasteMINZ support
The WasteMINZ 2023 Manifesto included a key priority to “introduce the container return scheme as soon as possible” WasteMINZ Manifesto
2022 – 98% support from public consultation
98% of the 6,399 submitters to the Transforming Recycling public consultation support the implementation of a CRS (including pro-forma submissions). Redacted-cab-paper-agreement-to-implement-a-nz-crs-v2.pdf
2022 – 78% support from consumers
Consumer research polling carried out by Kantar/Consumer Link (commissioned by Reloop) during August 2022 found 78% in favour of introducing legislation Reloop Platform. September 2022.
2020 – 78% support from consumers
A Consumer NZ survey in February/March 2020 found strong support (78%) for a container return scheme. Supermarkets and collection depots like community recycling centres, waste and recycling facilities were the most preferred locations for returning containers. The New Zealand Container Return Scheme Draft Design Appendices (p.171)
2020 – 70% support from consumers
ConsumerNZ Phase 2 consumer research (June 2020) found 70% of people support a container return scheme. The New Zealand Container Return Scheme Draft Design Appendices (p. 194)
2018 – 96% support from Mayors
In 2018 Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) passed a waste remit in favour of the introduction of a CRS, with 96% support from Mayors.
