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.
There are hundreds of refund points across Victoria, so look out for your local. The network has more than 600 refund points.
Get involved
In partnership with city councils, these baskets offer a new way to recycle containers on the go.
Are you a school that wants to get involved with CDS Vic? You will find lots of resources and guidance here.
Find out more about participating in Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme.
Our partners
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.
Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme is proud to partner with Sustainability Victoria's ResourceSmart Schools to empower Victorian schools to recycle and reduce waste.
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.
We have joined forces with Zoos Victoria for a new campaign with a big mission to protect some of our most threatened frog species by recycling your drink containers.
About us
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How cans and bottles are helping feed families in need
At Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic), we see every day how small actions - like returning a can or bottle - can create meaningful change.
For Craigieburn resident Mohammed Kalassina, returning containers through CDS Vic has become a powerful way to support families in need overseas.
For Mohammed, what began as a simple effort to recycle has grown into a community-led fundraising initiative. By collecting cans and bottles from neighbours, family members and colleagues, he has created a steady stream of donations that support families in Gaza.
“I believe that if you have the means to help others, you also have a responsibility,” Mohammed said.
After first hearing about Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme from a family friend, Mohammed decided to give it a try. He soon realised how quickly small refunds could add up.
“I never guessed it could be something we used to support people in Gaza – that something as basic as a few empty cans or bottles can mean survival for someone else.”
In the early stages, Mohammed was receiving around $30 to $40 per week in container refunds. As more people in his community began donating their eligible drink containers, that impact grew.
Today, Mohammed and his supporters raise up to $500 each month through returned containers - enough to provide life-saving meals to dozens of people.
"It’s gotten more and more popular, with people now contributing to our fundraising by giving me their containers. I’ve got family members who help me collect, and my next-door neighbour as well; we all pull our cans and bottles together,” Mr Kalassina said.
Stories like Mohammed’s show how Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme can support both environmental and social outcomes - reducing litter and landfill while helping communities fundraise.
Mohammed and his family then donate the container refunds to global aid charity, Muslims Around The World. The charity organisation provides essential aid in over 30 countries, including food, water and medical supplies.
Your eligible containers can help others. Donate your valuable container refunds at your nearest refund point.
