Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme

Make a return

Make a return

CDS Vic will provide a 10 cent refund for every eligible drink container returned from 1 November.   Every bottle, can and carton 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. By August 2024 the network will grow to 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

Good Friday Appeal

CDS Vic partnered up with Good Friday Appeal.

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

About Us

About CDS Vic

An image showcasing the circular economy of beverage container packaging

Building a stronger circular economy

CDS Vic is part of the Victorian Government's $515 million investment to transform the state's waste and recycling sector. Funded by contributions from the beverage industry, the scheme will contribute to Victoria's target of diverting 80% of all material away from landfill by 2030 and represents a significant milestone in our journey towards a circular economy.

Victorians use more than 3 billion drink containers every year. Sadly, many are not recycled, ending up in landfill and as litter in local communities across our state.

CDS Vic aims to:

Increase recycling and reduce litter, cleaning up our environment
Be convenient and accessible with many types and locations of refund points across Victoria
Bring new jobs and economic opportunities for individuals, charity and community groups

Who makes it happen

VicReturn

CDS Vic is managed by the scheme coordinator VicReturn, a not-for-profit organisation, that is funded by the beverage industry. VicReturn is responsible for financial operations, auditing, managing the risk of fraud and educating the community.

Learn more about VicReturn

Zone Operators

CDS Vic is a state-wide initiative designed to make it easy for all Victorians to participate - that's why we partner with our three Zone Operators who deliver the refund points in your local area. Our Zone Operators - Visy, Return-It and TOMRA Cleanaway - also manage refunds to customers and donation partners and ensure the proper recycling of containers.

Victoria State Government

The Victorian Government regulates the scheme to ensure efficient operation.

Learn more about the role of the Victoria State Government

Zone Operators

How it works:

CDS Vic aims to be the most accessible container deposit scheme in Australia, rolling out hundreds of refund points across our state. Our 3 dedicated Zone Operators make this possible, with each operating 1 zone.

Within those zones, Zone Operators are responsible for establishing and maintaining their network of refund collection points.