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.
From 2 June 2025, CDS Vic will dollar match the first five Landcare groups to raise $1,000 through the scheme.*
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.
About us
See our commitment to fraud and corruption control, and how to get in touch if you have any concerns
If you’re new to Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme, welcome. We thought you might like to take your container collecting (and your refunds) to the next level. Here are five ways to do it.
Think about storage
One of the questions we get asked a lot when people are just starting out is, “Where should I keep my containers before I drop them off?” It’s hard to give a one-size-fits-all answer as everyone’s home is different. Here are a few favourite spots:
- Garage
- Laundry
- Covered porch
- Car boot
- Under the sink
Get creative when it comes to what you’re keeping them in. Plastic tubs and laundry baskets are popular, or you can get large zipped moving bags from hardware stores. Just make sure you can carry them when they’re full.
Get your household and friends on board
Make sure everyone you live with, whether that’s family or housemates, knows you’re collecting and where you’re keeping your containers. You could even put a callout on social media and pick up drink containers from friends and family. Your refund will add up that much quicker.
Check what’s eligible
If you get to know exactly what drink containers are eligible for a 10-cent refund, you’re going to make the most of your collecting. Most aluminium, glass, plastic and liquid paperboard (carton) drink containers between 150mL and 3 litres are eligible. Always look for the 10-cent mark, and remember you can leave your lids on.
Which refund point works for you?
We have more than 600 refund points across Victoria, so chances are there are a few near you. Have a look at our locations map and think about your routine. Is there one around the corner from work or school? What about close to a friend or family member you visit regularly, or by the supermarket? Maybe you prefer to go to a depot with staff rather than a reverse vending machine. Try a couple out.
Take a bag out walking
If you start looking, you’ll notice eligible drink containers all over the place as litter. Take a bag with you when you go for a walk, and you’ll be ready. Those extra containers here and there can really add up.
