Containers covered by Act

LIST OF BEVERAGES COVERED BY THE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION ACT

The following chart should be used only as a guide to assist you in determining which beverages and containers are covered by the Beverage Containers provisions of the Environment Protection Act (CDL). If in doubt, please contact the CDL Unit at the EPA.  This is also available as a downloadable resource from the EPA website - labelled Beverage Container Approval Guidelines.  

Beverage

Container Type

Size

Carbonated soft (non-alcoholic) drinks

All

Up to and including 3 litres

Water - plain, still or carbonated spring water, mineral water and any other water intended for human consumption

All

Up to and including 3 litres

Beers/ales/stout

All

Up to and including 3 litres

Wine based beverages - any beverage that contains wine with an alcohol per volume percentage of less than 10%. This can include (but is not limited to):

  • low alcohol wine
  • non-alcoholic or de-alcoholised wine
  • fruit flavoured wine
  • wine coolers
  • ready to drink "alcoholic sodas"

All

Up to and including 3 litres

Spirit based beverages - any beverage that contains any spirit with an alcohol per volume percentage of less than 10%

All

Up to and including 3 litres

Alcoholic beverages derived from the fermentation of fruit (cider, alcoholic lemonade etc.)

All

Up to and including 3 litres

Non-carbonated, soft (non-alcoholic) drinks includes: (but is not limited to):

  • fruit juice drinks
  • fruit drinks
  • sports drinks
  • vitamin drinks
  • energy drinks
  • ready-to-drink cordial

All

Up to and including 3 litres

Pure fruit juice

means a liquid at least 90% of which is fruit juice or vegetable juice or a mixture of fruit and vegetable juices

All

Less than 1 litre

Flavoured milk

(cows milk or the milk of any other animal, soy milk, ultra heat-treated milk, low fat milk etc.)

All

Less than 1 litre

 

BEVERAGES TO WHICH THE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION ACT APPLIES

Carbonated Soft Drinks

Non-Refillable Glass
Cans
Plastic (PET, PVC etc)

Waters

All Containers

Beer Ale etc.
Wine Based Beverages

All Containers

Spirit Based Drinks

Cans
Plastic
Glass

Cider
Alc. Bev Derived from the Fermentation of Fruit
Spirits
Wine

Cans, Plastic

Exemptions

1. Containers constructed of cardboard and plastic, cardboard and foil, or cardboard, plastic and foil (commonly known as casks or aseptic packs) containing at least 1 litre of wine, wine-based beverage or water.

2. Containers constructed of plastic or foil or plastic and foil (commonly known as sachets) containing at least 250ml of wine.

NOTE:

The Act does not apply to;

  • Flavoured, non-carbonated (still) waters
  • Containers with a capacity of more than 3000 ml
  • Plain milks (unflavoured) eg. cows milk, almond milk, soy milk 

Due to regular changes in the market process it is suggested you click here to access current information and processes.

** Containers must be purchased in SA to be eligible for the refund scheme**