Make a return

Make a return

CDS Vic provides a 10 cent refund for every eligible drink container returned.  Each bottle, can and carton that you return helps to divert valuable containers from landfill.

Eligible containers

Most aluminium, glass, plastic and liquid paperboard (carton) drink containers between 150mL and 3 litres are eligible. Keep the lids on, we recycle them too!

Refund point types

There are hundreds of refund points across Victoria, so look out for your local. The network has more than 600 refund points.

Donation & other refund types

There are multiple ways to receive your 10 cent refund. You can either keep your refund, or support your favourite cause with a donation.

Get involved

Get involved

Fundraising

CDS Vic gives charities and community groups the opportunity to raise funds while making an impact.

Donating

Your eligible containers can help others. Donate your valuable container refunds at your nearest refund point.

Beverage industry partners

Find out more about participating in Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme

Our partners

Our partners

AFL Victoria partnership

AFL Victoria and CDS Vic have teamed up to support local football clubs across the state in raising funds and promoting sustainability. Through this exciting partnership, CDS Vic is now the Official Recycling Partner of AFL Victoria until 2027.

Australian Open 2025

CDS Vic is proud to partner with Australian Open (AO) 2025 to make recycling a smash hit on and off the court.

Scouts Victoria

We’re excited to announce a partnership between Scouts Victoria and CDS Vic, designed to reward Scouts and Scout Groups for their commitment to container recycling.

Tennis Victoria

CDS Vic is proud to announce its groundbreaking partnership with Tennis Victoria. This exciting initiative aims to reduce waste, promote recycling, and support grassroots tennis communities across the state to raise funds.

About us

Sorting eligible containers before returning

About us

About CDS Vic

CDS Vic is part of Victoria’s goal to be a leader in the creation of a stronger circular economy.

Search FAQs

Consult our database of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

Get in touch if you have a complaint, compliment or a specific enquiry.

Scheme Integrity

See our commitment to fraud and corruption control, and how to get in touch if you have any concerns

News

The 2025 ResourceSmart Schools Awards are open

Victoria’s biggest celebration of sustainability in schools is back! The 2025 ResourceSmart Schools Awards are now open, and we can’t wait to hear all about the amazing work schools, students, teachers, and volunteers have been doing to create a greener future.

This year’s theme, ‘Working Together,’ is all about celebrating the power of collaboration - whether it’s with other schools, the local community, or students and teachers teaming up to make a difference.

Why Enter?

Here’s why schools should jump in:

Recognise the incredible effort and achievements of your sustainability legends.
Win prizes to help fund more sustainability projects.
Share your school’s story and inspire others across Victoria.

Exciting News for 2025

We’re thrilled to introduce the CDS Vic Excellence Award, a new category celebrating schools that are doing great things through the Victorian Container Deposit Scheme.

Important Dates

Entries close: 28 February 2025
Finalists announced: Late April
Awards event: Early June 2025 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) - right in time for World Environment Day!

How to Enter

We’ve made it easy for schools to get involved. With info sessions, writing tips, and one-on-one support, schools can feel confident submitting their entries. Just head over to the Sustainability Victoria website to learn more.

Let’s Celebrate Together!

If you know a school doing incredible sustainability work, give them a nudge to enter! Or, if your school has been kicking sustainability goals, don’t miss this chance to celebrate and share your story.