{"id":"environment-protection-beverage-containers-and-plastic-bags-regulations-2011","name":"ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION (BEVERAGE CONTAINERS AND PLASTIC BAGS) REGULATIONS 2011","slug":"environment-protection-beverage-containers-and-plastic-bags-regulations-2011","collection":"regulation","jurisdiction":"nt","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":176803,"registerId":"nt-environment-protection-beverage-containers-and-plastic-bags-regulations-2011-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-05","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION (BEVERAGE CONTAINERS AND PLASTIC BAGS) REGULATIONS 2011","content":"NORTHERN TERRITORY OF AUSTRALIA\nENVIRONMENT PROTECTION (BEVERAGE CONTAINERS AND PLASTIC\nBAGS) REGULATIONS 2011\nAs in force at 31 October 2025\nTable of provisions\nPart 1 Preliminary matters\n1 Citation ............................................................................................ 1\n2 Definitions ........................................................................................ 1\n2A Meaning of spiritous liquor ............................................................... 2\n2B Meaning of wine .............................................................................. 3\nPart 1A Container deposit scheme\n2C Refund amount ................................................................................ 3\n2D Approved refund marking ................................................................ 3\n2E Excluded beverages ........................................................................ 4\n2F Exempted containers ....................................................................... 4\n2FA Payment of refund amount from reverse vending machine ............. 4\n2FB Limitation on sorting empty permitted containers by material\ntype .................................................................................................. 5\n2G Annual return ................................................................................... 5\nPart 2 Plastic bags\n3 Australian standard.......................................................................... 5\n4 Prohibition day ................................................................................. 6\n5 Notice to be displayed ..................................................................... 6\nPart 3 Infringement notice offences\n7 Infringement notice offence and prescribed amount payable .......... 6\n8 When infringement notice may be given .......................................... 6\n9 Contents of infringement notice ....................................................... 6\n10 Electronic payment and payment by cheque ................................... 7\n10A Expiation of offence ......................................................................... 8\n11 Withdrawal of infringement notice.................................................... 8\n12 Effect of Part .................................................................................... 8\nPart 4 Transitional matters\n13 Approved refund marking ................................................................ 9\n\nEnvironment Protection (Beverage Containers and Plastic Bags) Regulations 2011 ii\nSchedule Infringement notice offences and\nprescribed amounts\nENDNOTES\n\nNORTHERN TERRITORY OF AUSTRALIA\n____________________\nAs in force at 31 October 2025\n____________________\nENVIRONMENT PROTECTION (BEVERAGE CONTAINERS AND PLASTIC\nBAGS) REGULATIONS 2011\nRegulations under the Environment Protection (Beverage Containers\nand Plastic Bags) Act 2011\nPart 1 Preliminary matters\n1 Citation\nThese Regulations may be cited as the Environment Protection\n(Beverage Containers and Plastic Bags) Regulations 2011.\n2 Definitions\nIn these Regulations:\ncordial means concentrated syrup that:\n(a) contains the following ingredients (whether or not it also\ncontains other ingredients):\n(i) water;\n(ii) a sweetener (whether natural or artificial);\n(iii) colouring or flavouring, or both (whether natural or\nartificial); and\n(b) is intended to be diluted before consumption.\nflavoured milk means milk to which flavouring has been added.\nFood Standards Code, see section 6 of the Food Act 2004.\nglass container means a container made of glass whether alone\nor in combination with anything else.\n\nPart 1 Preliminary matters\nEnvironment Protection (Beverage Containers and Plastic Bags) Regulations 2011 2\nhealth tonic means a liquid:\n(a) included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods\nunder the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 (Cth); and\n(b) supplied with a label or other accompanying document stating:\n(i) the liquid is for medicinal purposes; and\n(ii) a recommended maximum dosage.\ninfringement notice, for Part 3, see regulation 8.\ninfringement notice offence, for Part 3, see regulation 7(1).\nmilk means milk from an animal or derived from a plant or part of a\nplant, and includes, for example, milk that is one or more of the\nfollowing:\n(a) ultra heat treated or reconstituted milk;\n(b) reduced fat milk;\n(c) milk with added protein, milk fat, calcium, vitamins, minerals or\nother supplements.\nprescribed amount, for Part 3, see regulation 7(2).\nspiritous liquor, see regulation 2A.\nwine, see regulation 2B.\nwine-based beverage means a pre-mixed beverage containing:\n(a) wine and another beverage that is not a grape product; and\n(b) less than 10% alcohol by volume at 20°C.\n2A Meaning of spiritous liquor\n(1) A spiritous liquor is a liqueur or other alcoholic beverage\nproduced by distillation.\nExamples for subregulation (1)\nBrandy, gin, rum, vodka and whisky.\n(2) However, a pre-mixed beverage containing a beverage mentioned\nin subregulation (1) and another beverage is not a spiritous liquor.\n\nPart 1A Container deposit scheme\nEnvironment Protection (Beverage Containers and Plastic Bags) Regulations 2011 3\n2B Meaning of wine\n(1) Wine is:\n(a) a beverage produced by fermentation of grapes (whether or\nnot with additives permitted under the Food Standards Code);\nor\n(b) a beverage that is a blend of a beverage mentioned in\nparagraph (a) and other grape products.\n(2) However, a pre-mixed beverage containing a beverage mentioned\nin subregulation (1)(a) or (b) and another beverage that is not a\ngrape product is not wine.\nPart 1A Container deposit scheme\n2C Refund amount\nFor the definition refund amount in section 4 of the Act, the refund\namount for a permitted container is $0.10.\n2D Approved refund marking\n(1) For the definition approved refund marking in section 4 of the Act,\nan approved refund marking for a regulated container is a mark or\nlabel that clearly and legibly states:\n(a) \"10c refund at collection depots when sold in NT\"; or\n(b) \"10c refund at SA/NT collection depots in State/Territory of\npurchase\"; or\n(c) \"10c refund at collection depots/points in participating\nState/Territory of purchase\".\nNote for subregulation (1)(c)\nThe 10c refund is payable only by an operator of an approved collection depot.\nThe approved refund marking mentions \"collection points\" because that term is\nused instead of \"collection depots\" in New South Wales.\n(2) However, for subregulation (1)(a), it is irrelevant if the marking\nreads \"Northern Territory\" instead of \"NT\".\n\nPart 1A Container deposit scheme\nEnvironment Protection (Beverage Containers and Plastic Bags) Regulations 2011 4\n2E Excluded beverages\nFor section 7(2) of the Act, each of the following liquids is not a\nbeverage:\n(a) concentrated fruit or vegetable juice, or a mixture of\nconcentrated fruit and vegetable juices, intended to be diluted\nbefore consumption;\n(b) a health tonic;\n(c) cordial.\n2F Exempted containers\nFor section 9 of the Act, the CDS does not apply to containers of\nthe following classes:\n(a) glass containers used for containing wine or spiritous liquor;\n(b) containers used for containing milk (other than flavoured milk);\n(c) containers used for containing 1 L or more of flavoured milk;\n(d) containers used for containing 1 L or more of pure juice\n(comprising at least 90% fruit or vegetable juice or a mixture of\nfruit and vegetable juices);\n(e) containers used for containing more than 3 L of beverage;\n(f) containers made of cardboard and plastic, cardboard and foil\nor cardboard, plastic and foil (commonly known as casks or\naseptic packs) used for containing 1 L or more of wine,\nwine-based beverage or water (including mineral water and\nspring water);\n(g) containers made of plastic or foil or plastic and foil (commonly\nknown as sachets) used for containing 250 ml or more of\nwine.\n2FA Payment of refund amount from reverse vending machine\n(1) This regulation applies to the operator of a collection depot if:\n(a) the collection depot is a reverse vending machine; and\n(b) under the collection approval for the machine, the operator is\nauthorised to pay refund amounts from the machine in the way\nprovided in this regulation.\n\nPart 2 Plastic bags\nEnvironment Protection (Beverage Containers and Plastic Bags) Regulations 2011 5\n(2) For section 19(3) of the Act, a refund amount may be paid to the\nperson delivering the container:\n(a) by issuing to the person a redeemable voucher for the refund\namount; or\n(b) by crediting the refund amount to a recognised account\nnominated by the person.\n(3) Subregulation (2) has effect subject to any conditions imposed on\nthe collection approval for the reverse vending machine that limit\nthe way in which the operator may pay refund amounts.\n(4) In this regulation:\nrecognised account means:\n(a) an account at a bank or other ADI; or\n(b) an account with a provider of goods or services, the balance\nof which may be withdrawn as cash.\nExample for definition recognised account, paragraph (b)\nAn account with a retailer accessible through the use of a swipe card that is\nissued by the retailer and swiped through the reverse vending machine when the\ncontainer is deposited to credit the refund amount to the account.\nredeemable voucher means a voucher that may be redeemed for\nthe refund amount in cash (whether or not it may instead be\nredeemed as payment for goods or services).\n2FB Limitation on sorting empty permitted containers by material\ntype\nFor section 24C(c) of the Act, the prescribed number of material\ntypes is 9.\n2G Annual return\nFor section 44(1) of the Act, 1 September in each year is\nprescribed.\nPart 2 Plastic bags\n3 Australian standard\nThe Australian Standard for the definition biodegradable bag in\nsection 52 of the Act is AS 4736–2006 (Biodegradable plastics –\nBiodegradable plastics suitable for composting and other microbial\ntreatment).\n\nPart 3 Infringement notice offences\nEnvironment Protection (Beverage Containers and Plastic Bags) Regulations 2011 6\n4 Prohibition day\nFor the definition prohibition day in section 53(2) of the Act,\n1 September 2011 is prescribed.\n5 Notice to be displayed\n(1) For section 56(1)(b) of the Act, the retailer must display, in a\nprominent position at each place in the premises where the retailer\nmakes a prohibited plastic bag available, a notice that:\n(a) subject to subregulation (2), is not less than 95 mm in height\nand 150 mm in width; and\n(b) includes the following statement in legible letters:\nThe Territory Government is banning the supply of\nlightweight, single use, non-biodegradable plastic bags from\n1 September 2011. Alternative bags are available from this\nretail outlet.\n(2) The requirement in subregulation (1)(a) does not apply to a notice\nin electronic form.\nPart 3 Infringement notice offences\n7 Infringement notice offence and prescribed amount payable\n(1) An infringement notice offence is an offence against a provision\nspecified in the Schedule.\n(2) The prescribed amount for an infringement notice offence is the\namount equal to the monetary value of the number of penalty units\nspecified for the offence in the Schedule.\n8 When infringement notice may be given\nIf an authorised officer believes on reasonable grounds that a\nperson has committed an infringement notice offence, the officer\nmay give a notice (an infringement notice) to the person.\n9 Contents of infringement notice\n(1) The infringement notice must specify the following:\n(a) the name and address of the person to whom it is issued, if\nknown;\n(b) the date the infringement notice is given to the person;\n\nPart 3 Infringement notice offences\nEnvironment Protection (Beverage Containers and Plastic Bags) Regulations 2011 7\n(c) the date and time of the infringement notice offence and the\nplace at which the infringement notice offence occurred;\n(d) a description of the offence;\n(e) the prescribed amount payable for the offence;\n(f) the enforcement agency to which the prescribed amount is\npayable.\n(2) The infringement notice must include a statement to the effect of\nthe following:\n(a) the person may expiate the infringement notice offence and\navoid any further action in relation to the offence by paying the\nprescribed amount to the specified enforcement agency within\n28 days after the notice is given;\n(b) the person may elect to have the offence dealt with by a court\nby:\n(i) completing a statement of election and giving it to the\nspecified enforcement agency; and\n(ii) not paying the prescribed amount;\n(c) if the Fines and Penalties (Recovery) Act 2001 applies to the\ninfringement notice offence – enforcement action may be\ntaken under that Act if the person does nothing in response to\nthe notice.\n(3) The infringement notice must include an appropriate form for\nmaking the statement of election mentioned in\nsubregulation (2)(b)(i).\n10 Electronic payment and payment by cheque\n(1) If the person uses electronic means to pay the prescribed amount,\npayment is not effected until the amount is credited to the payee's\nbank account.\n(2) If the person tenders a cheque in payment of the prescribed\namount, payment is not effected unless the cheque is cleared on\nfirst presentation.\n\nPart 3 Infringement notice offences\nEnvironment Protection (Beverage Containers and Plastic Bags) Regulations 2011 8\n10A Expiation of offence\nIf the prescribed amount for the infringement notice offence is paid\nin accordance with the infringement notice, the alleged offence is\nexpiated and no further proceedings can be taken in relation to the\noffence.\n11 Withdrawal of infringement notice\n(1) The CEO may withdraw the infringement notice by written notice\ngiven to the person.\n(2) The notice must be given:\n(a) within 28 days after the infringement notice is given to the\nperson; and\n(b) before payment of the prescribed amount.\n12 Effect of Part\n(1) This Part does not prejudice or affect the start or continuation of\nproceedings for an infringement notice offence for which an\ninfringement notice has been given unless the offence is expiated.\n(2) This Part does not:\n(a) require an infringement notice to be given; or\n(b) affect the liability of a person to be prosecuted in a court for an\noffence for which an infringement notice has not been given;\nor\n(c) prevent more than one infringement notice for the same\noffence being given to a person.\n(3) If more than one infringement notice for the same offence has been\ngiven to a person, the person may expiate the offence by paying\nthe prescribed amount in accordance with any of the notices.\n\nPart 4 Transitional matters\nEnvironment Protection (Beverage Containers and Plastic Bags) Regulations 2011 9\nPart 4 Transitional matters\n13 Approved refund marking\n(1) For the definition approved refund marking in section 4 of the Act,\nthe following approved refund marking under Part 8, Division 2 of\nthe Environment Protection Act 1993 (SA) for a container is taken\nto be an approved refund marking for a regulated container of the\nsame type until 30 June 2014:\n\"10c refund at collection depots when sold in SA\".\n(2) For subregulation (1), it is irrelevant if the marking reads \"South\nAustralia\" instead of \"SA\".\n\nSchedule Infringement notice offences and prescribed amounts\nEnvironment Protection (Beverage Containers and Plastic Bags) Regulations 2011 10\nSchedule Infringement notice offences and prescribed\namounts\nregulation 7\nItem Provision of Act Prescribed amount\nin penalty units\n1 sections 13(4) and 14(2) 2\n2 section 17(4) and (6) 1\n3 sections 20A(3) and 20B(4) and (5) 2\n4 section 41P(1) 1\n5 section 42(1) 2\n6 sections 43(1) and 44(1) 1\n7 sections 45(2), 55(1), 56(1) and 57(1) 2\n\nENDNOTES\nEnvironment Protection (Beverage Containers and Plastic Bags) Regulations 2011 11\nENDNOTES\n1 KEY Key to abbreviations\namd = amended od = order\napp = appendix om = omitted\nbl = by-law pt = Part\nch = Chapter r = regulation/rule\ncl = clause rem = remainder\ndiv = Division renum = renumbered\nexp = expires/expired rep = repealed\nf = forms s = section\nGaz = Gazette sch = Schedule\nhdg = heading sdiv = Subdivision\nins = inserted SL = Subordinate Legislation\nlt = long title sub = substituted\nnc = not commenced\n2 LIST OF LEGISLATION\nEnvironment Protection (Beverage Containers and Plastic Bags) Regulations (SL\nNo. 10, 2011)\nNotified 13 April 2011\nCommenced 1 May 2011 (r 2, s 2 Environment Protection (Beverage\nContainers and Plastic Bags) Act 2011 (Act No. 2, 2011) and\nGaz G15, 13 April 2011, p 11)\nEnvironment Protection (Beverage Containers and Plastic Bags) Amendment\nRegulations 2011 (SL No. 32, 2011)\nNotified 27 July 2011\nCommenced 3 January 2012 (r 2, s 2 Environment Protection (Beverage\nContainers and Plastic Bags) Act 2011 (Act No. 2, 2011) and\nGaz S71, 12 December 2011)\nEnvironment Protection (Beverage Containers and Plastic Bags) Amendment\nRegulations (No. 2) 2011 (SL No. 44, 2011)\nNotified 30 August 2011\nCommenced r 5: 30 August 2011; rem: 3 January 2012 (r 3, r 2\nEnvironment Protection (Beverage Containers and Plastic\nBags) Amendment Regulations 2011 (SL No. 32, 2011), s 2\nEnvironment Protection (Beverage Containers and Plastic\nBags) Act 2011 (Act No. 2, 2011) and Gaz S71,\n12 December 2011)\n\nENDNOTES\nEnvironment Protection (Beverage Containers and Plastic Bags) Regulations 2011 12\nEnvironment Protection (Beverage Containers and Plastic Bags) Amendment\nRegulations (No. 3) 2011 (SL No. 49, 2011)\nNotified 23 November 2011\nCommenced 3 January 2012 (r 2, r 3 Environment Protection (Beverage\nContainers and Plastic Bags) Amendment Regulations\n(No. 2) 2011 (SL No. 44, 2011), r 2 Environment Protection\n(Beverage Containers and Plastic Bags) Amendment\nRegulations 2011 (SL No. 32, 2011), s 2 Environment\nProtection (Beverage Containers and Plastic Bags) Act 2011\n(Act No. 2, 2011) and Gaz S71, 12 December 2011)\nEnvironment Protection (Beverage Containers and Plastic Bags) Amendment\nRegulations (No. 4) 2011 (SL No. 55, 2011)\nNotified 20 December 2011\nCommenced 3 January 2012 (r 2, r 2 Environment Protection (Beverage\nContainers and Plastic Bags) Amendment Regulations\n(No. 3) 2011 (SL No. 49, 2011), r 3 Environment Protection\n(Beverage Containers and Plastic Bags) Amendment\nRegulations (No. 2) 2011 (SL No. 44, 2011), r 2 Environment\nProtection (Beverage Containers and Plastic Bags)\nAmendment Regulations 2011 (SL No. 32, 2011), s 2\nEnvironment Protection (Beverage Containers and Plastic\nBags) Act 2011 (Act No. 2, 2011) and Gaz S71,\n12 December 2011)\nEnvironment Protection (Beverage Containers and Plastic Bags) Amendment\nRegulations 2013 (SL No. 33, 2013)\nNotified 4 September 2013\nCommenced 4 September 2013\nEnvironment Protection (Beverage Containers and Plastic Bags) Legislation\nAmendment Act 2014 (No. 17, 2014)\nAssent date 2 June 2014\nCommenced ss 9 (to extent it ins s 20), 11 (to extent it ins s 24C), 20 (to\nextent it ins s 101) and 25: 1 January 2017 (Gaz G51,\n21 December 2016, p 11); rem: 30 June 2014 (Gaz S46,\n30 June 2014)\nEnvironment Protection (Beverage Containers and Plastic Bags) Amendment\nRegulations 2018 (SL No. 4, 2018)\nNotified 2 March 2018\nCommenced 2 March 2018\nStatute Law Amendment (Territory Economic Reconstruction) Act 2021 (Act No. 19,\n2021)\nAssent date 31 August 2021\nCommenced pt 6: 2 October 2021; rem: 29 September 2021 (Gaz G39,\n29 September 2021, p 1)\nStatute Law Revision Act 2023 (Act No. 4, 2023)\nAssent date 2 March 2023\nCommenced 3 March 2023 (s 2)\n\nENDNOTES\nEnvironment Protection (Beverage Containers and Plastic Bags) Regulations 2011 13\nEnvironment Protection (Beverage Containers and Plastic Bags) Legislation\nAmendment (Expansion of CDS and Other Matters) Act 2025 (No. 28, 2025)\nAssent date 30 October 2025\nCommenced pt 3: nc; rem: 31 October 2025 (s 2(1))\n3 GENERAL AMENDMENTS\nGeneral amendments of a formal nature (which are not referred to in the table\nof amendments to this reprint) are made by the Interpretation Legislation\nAmendment Act 2018 (Act No. 22, 2018) to: rr 1, 2 and 9.\n4 LIST OF AMENDMENTS\nr 2 sub No. 32, 2011, r 4\namd No. 55, 2011, r 4; Act No. 28, 2025, s 19\nrr 2A – 2B ins No. 32, 2011, r 4\npt 1A hdg ins No. 32, 2011, r 4\nr 2C ins No. 32, 2011, r 4\namd Act No. 4, 2023, s 23\nr 2D ins No. 32, 2011, r 4\namd No. 44, 2011, r 4; No. 49, 2011, r 4; No. 4, 2018, r 4; Act No. 19, 2021,\ns 64\nr 2E ins No. 32, 2011, r 4\namd No. 55, 2011, r 5\nr 2F ins No. 32, 2011, r 4\nr 2FA ins No. 55, 2011, r 6\namd Act No. 17, 2014, s 24; Act No. 28, 2025, s 20\nr 2FB ins Act No. 17, 2014, s 25\namd Act No. 4, 2023, s 23\nr 2G ins No. 32, 2011, r 4\nr 6 rep Act No. 28, 2025, s 21\nr 7 amd No. 44, 2011, r 5\nr 8 amd Act No. 28, 2025, s 22\nrr 9 – 10 sub Act No. 28, 2025, s 23\nr 10A ins Act No. 28, 2025, s 23\nr 11 amd Act No. 17, 2014, s 26; Act No. 28, 2025, s 24\nr 12 amd Act No. 28, 2025, s 25\npt 4 hdg ins No. 32, 2011, r 5\nr 13 ins No. 32, 2011, r 5\nsub No. 44, 2011, r 6\namd No. 33, 2013, r 3\nsch sub No. 32, 2011, r 6\namd No. 44, 2011, r 7; Act No. 19, 2021, s 65\nsub Act No. 28, 2025, s 26","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The regulations remain tightly focused on their original purpose: operationalising the container deposit scheme and plastic bag ban established by the 2011 Act. While amendments have added details (such as reverse vending machine payment methods in 2011, sorting limitations in 2014, and updated infringement notice procedures in 2025), these represent refinements to the existing schemes rather than expansion into new policy areas. The 2025 amendments appear to be housekeeping and procedural updates rather than scope expansion."},"complexity_factors":["Moderate cross-referencing to the parent Act (Environment Protection (Beverage Containers and Plastic Bags) Act 2011) for definitions and offence provisions","Multiple specific exemptions and exclusions requiring careful categorisation (7 classes of exempted containers in regulation 2F, 3 categories of excluded beverages in regulation 2E)","Nested definitions for 'spiritous liquor' and 'wine' with exceptions for pre-mixed beverages (regulations 2A and 2B)","Technical specifications for refund markings with three alternative wordings allowed (regulation 2D)","Infringement notice procedures in Part 3 follow standard templates but include conditional logic around payment methods and withdrawal timeframes","Transitional provision (regulation 13) that has effectively expired but remains in the text","Schedule cross-referencing penalty units to specific Act sections without reproducing the offence details"],"plain_english_summary":"**What this legislation does:**\n\nThese regulations set the detailed rules for two environmental schemes in the Northern Territory:\n\n1. **Container Deposit Scheme (CDS)** — Also known as \"Cash for Containers\" or \"10c refund\"\n   - Sets the refund amount at **10 cents** for each eligible drink container returned to a collection depot\n   - Specifies exactly what wording must appear on containers to show they're eligible for the refund (e.g., \"10c refund at collection depots when sold in NT\")\n   - Lists drinks and containers that are **excluded** from the scheme, including:\n     - Wine and spirits in glass bottles\n     - Plain milk (but flavoured milk under 1 litre is included)\n     - Large containers (over 3 litres)\n     - Cask wine and water (1 litre or more)\n     - Cordial, health tonics, and concentrated juices\n   - Allows reverse vending machines (automated collection points) to pay refunds via vouchers or direct bank transfer\n   - Requires scheme operators to submit annual returns by 1 September each year\n\n2. **Plastic Bag Ban**\n   - Banned lightweight, single-use, non-biodegradable plastic bags from **1 September 2011**\n   - Defines what counts as a \"biodegradable bag\" (must meet Australian Standard AS 4736–2006)\n   - Required retailers to display warning notices about the ban before it took effect\n\n**Who it affects:**\n- **Drink manufacturers** — must ensure containers carry the correct refund marking\n- **Retailers** — cannot give out banned plastic bags; must participate in the container scheme\n- **Collection depots** — must pay 10c refunds and follow rules about how payments are made\n- **Consumers** — can claim 10c refunds on eligible containers; cannot get free plastic bags at shops\n\n**Why it matters:**\nThese rules aim to reduce litter and increase recycling by giving people a financial incentive to return drink containers, while also cutting down on plastic pollution by banning single-use bags. The regulations provide the technical details that make the broader Act work in practice."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":6,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"Originally focused on plastic bag bans and initial container deposit scheme setup, the regulations have been expanded significantly via amendments to include detailed rules for reverse vending machines, sorting limitations, annual returns, and expanded definitions for spiritous liquor and wine. The introduction of infringement notice procedures and multiple amendment acts show a widening of scope from simple bans to a full regulatory framework with enforcement mechanisms."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple defined terms with cross-references to other Acts (Food Standards Code, Therapeutic Goods Act).","Nested exceptions and exemptions for container types (excluded beverages, exempted containers, conditional definitions).","Part 3 infringement notice procedures include detailed requirements for notice content, payment methods, withdrawal, and expiation.","Transitional provisions for approved refund markings from South Australia until 2014.","References to penalty units without stating dollar value (requires external knowledge)."],"plain_english_summary":"These Northern Territory regulations set up a 10-cent refund scheme for certain drink containers (containers must have a refund mark). They also ban lightweight single-use plastic bags and set rules for fines for breaking the rules.\n\n**Container deposit scheme**\n- A 10-cent refund is paid when you return an eligible empty container to a collection depot or reverse vending machine.\n- Containers eligible are those with an approved refund marking (e.g., '10c refund at collection depots when sold in NT').\n- Excluded: cordial, health tonics, concentrated juice concentrates.\n- Exempted containers (no refund): glass wine/spirit bottles, milk containers (except flavoured milk over 1L), pure juice over 1L, containers over 3L, certain wine casks/sachets.\n- Refunds from reverse vending machines can be given as a voucher redeemable for cash or credited to an account.\n- Collection depots must not sort containers into more than 9 material types.\n- Annual returns due by 1 September each year.\n\n**Plastic bags**\n- Bans supply of non-biodegradable plastic bags from 1 September 2011.\n- Retailers must display a notice about the ban (minimum size 95mm x 150mm, unless electronic).\n\n**Fines**\n- Authorised officers can issue infringement notices (on-the-spot fines) for certain offences, with penalty amounts in penalty units (e.g., 2 penalty units for some offences).\n- You can pay the fine within 28 days to avoid court, or elect to have the matter heard in court.\n\nThis affects anyone selling or buying beverages in the Northern Territory, as well as retailers supplying plastic bags. It matters because it creates a financial incentive to recycle containers and reduces plastic bag waste."},"summary":{"complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"Based on the available information, the regulations appear to remain focused on their original dual purpose: managing beverage container deposits and restricting plastic bag use. There is no evidence from the provided text that the scope has materially expanded or contracted beyond the original environmental protection intent. However, the existence of at least one reprint suggests amendments have been made, which could include scope adjustments not visible from this summary alone."},"complexity_factors":["Dual subject matter (beverage containers AND plastic bags) means two separate regulatory frameworks in one instrument","Interaction with parent legislation (the Environment Protection Act) requires understanding of the broader statutory scheme","Scheme involves multiple parties — manufacturers, importers, retailers, consumers, and scheme operators — each with different obligations","Commercial and financial mechanics of the container deposit scheme (refund amounts, eligibility criteria, payment flows) add technical detail","Limited metadata provided (no gazette number, making date, or maker identified), making it harder to trace amendments or understand full regulatory history","Reprint number (REPE035R1) suggests the regulations have been amended since 2011, meaning the current version may differ significantly from the original"],"plain_english_summary":"## Environment Protection (Beverage Containers and Plastic Bags) Regulations 2011\n\nThese are regulations (detailed rules that sit underneath a broader law) made in the Northern Territory that deal with two main environmental issues:\n\n**1. Beverage Containers (Container Deposit Scheme)**\nThese rules govern how drink containers — like cans, bottles, and cartons — are managed to reduce litter and waste. This is the NT's version of a 'cash for cans' or container deposit scheme, where people can return eligible drink containers to collection points and receive a small refund (typically 10 cents). The rules set out which containers are included, how refund points operate, and the responsibilities of drink manufacturers and retailers.\n\n**2. Plastic Bags**\nThese rules regulate the use of single-use plastic bags — essentially the framework that restricts retailers from handing out certain types of plastic shopping bags to customers.\n\n**Who does this affect?**\n- **Consumers** — you may be entitled to refunds on eligible drink containers, and you won't be able to get certain plastic bags from shops\n- **Retailers and bottle shops** — must comply with rules about plastic bags and container refunds\n- **Drink manufacturers and importers** — have obligations about registering products and contributing to the scheme\n- **Waste collection operators** — must meet standards for running container refund points\n\n**Why does it matter?**\nThese regulations are a practical tool to reduce plastic pollution and encourage recycling. They create financial incentives for people to return containers rather than throw them away, and restrict the flow of plastic bags into the environment."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/environment-protection-beverage-containers-and-plastic-bags-regulations-2011","history":"/api/acts/environment-protection-beverage-containers-and-plastic-bags-regulations-2011/history","analysis":"/api/acts/environment-protection-beverage-containers-and-plastic-bags-regulations-2011/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/environment-protection-beverage-containers-and-plastic-bags-regulations-2011/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/environment-protection-beverage-containers-and-plastic-bags-regulations-2011/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/environment-protection-beverage-containers-and-plastic-bags-regulations-2011/documents"}}