Recycling should be simple, but South Australia’s refund scheme has a few curveballs that trip people up. Not every bottle qualifies for cash, and if you’re mixing the wrong ones into your stash, you’re either wasting time or missing out on money.
Thorntons Recycling isn’t just about taking your bottles—it’s about making sure you get paid for the right ones without the hassle. That means knowing which bottles pass the test, which ones don’t, and why some that look fine still get rejected.
Some rules make sense, and others are head-scratchers (why do beer bottles qualify, but wine bottles don’t?). Either way, knowing what Thorntons accepts saves you from showing up with a boot full of bottles only to hear, "Yeah… not that one." Let’s get straight into it—because the last thing you need is another recycling lecture.
Bottles That Thorntons Will Pay You For
Not all recyclables come with a refund, but these do, so keep them separate from your general bin to get your cash without the hassle.
Plastic Drink Bottles (Under 3L) – But Not Just Any Plastic
- Soft drink, water, juice, and flavoured milk bottles under 3 litres qualify for a refund under South Australia’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS).
- The catch? Plain milk bottles don’t count. Yes, even if they’re the same shape and material.
Glass Bottles That Once Held More Fun Than Water
- Thorntons accepts soft drink, juice, beer, and cider bottles.
- Wine and spirits? No refund. They’re recyclable, just not through the CDS.
Aluminium Cans & Liquid Paperboard Cartons (Under 1L)
- Soft drink and energy drink cans? ✅
- Juice and flavoured milk cartons? ✅ (as long as they’re under 1 litre).
- Large milk cartons? No refund. That’s just how the system works.
Bottles You Can’t Cash In
There’s a reason Thorntons can’t take just any bottle—it all comes down to South Australia’s refund laws and the quality of materials. These ones might look recyclable, but they don’t qualify for a refund.
Wine and Spirits Bottles—Blame the Regulations
- Thorntons isn’t ignoring them out of spite—the SA refund scheme simply doesn’t cover them.
- Want to recycle them anyway? Your local yellow bin will take care of that.
Large Plain Milk Bottles – The Ultimate Recycling Plot Twist
- Plastic milk bottles over 1L aren’t included in the refund scheme.
- Can they still be recycled? Yes, just not at Thorntons. Chuck them in your kerbside bin instead.
Cooking Oil, Vinegar, and Other Household Bottles
- Residue messes with the recycling process. They need different handling, so they’re a hard no here.
Why Some Bottles Are Rejected Even If They “Look” Right
Not all mistakes are apparent, and these common slip-ups could mean walking away without your refund.
No Refund Label = No Money
- If the bottle doesn’t have a CDS-approved 10c refund logo, it’s a no-go.
- Check before bringing in a whole load of bottles, only to find out half aren’t eligible.
Overly Crushed or Damaged Bottles
- If a bottle is too damaged, the system can’t process it properly. A minor dent is acceptable, but flattened into oblivion is a problem.
Too Much Leftover Liquid
- A few drops will not hurt, but if your bottle still contains yesterday’s juice, it will not be included.
One Trick to Get In and Out Faster (without Sorting Bottles at the Counter)
If you separate plastic, glass, and cans before dropping them off at Thorntons, you won't have to spend extra time sorting everything. The staff will help, but the less you mix, the quicker the process will be—and the faster you'll get your refund.
Know Your Bottles, Save Time, Get Paid
Thorntons makes recycling easy, but knowing what qualifies means fewer surprises at drop-off. Stick to the refund list, separate your bottles before heading in, and check for the 10c refund label before assuming it’s eligible. Recycling might not make you rich, but it can at least make the process smooth, quick, and a little more rewarding.
