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):
|
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):
|
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 |
Waters |
All Containers |
Beer Ale etc. |
All Containers |
Spirit Based Drinks |
Cans |
Cider |
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**