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
We love all our refund points equally, from the shiniest new reverse vending machine to the over-the-counter spot in a community hub. But today, we want to tell you all about our depots and why they’re so fabulous. Big, staffed, and ideal for large returns, our depots might be exactly what you need to take your returns to the next level.
Find them on our locations map by using the filters on the top left. They’re ready and waiting for you.
Larger returns
If you’ve got a boot full – or even a ute full – of eligible containers, a depot could well be the place for you. They’ve usually got easy parking, sometimes have trolleys for your use, and are generally set up to make life easier when you’ve got a lot of empties with you.
Friendly staff
Unlike our beloved reverse vending machines, depots are staffed. This means there will be someone on hand to help you out if you’re in need, or just to have a chat. Our depot teams tend to love recycling and recyclers, so why not go to your local and say hi?
Under cover
Our beautiful state is not known for having the most settled weather, so on windy and rainy days, a depot is the place to be. They’re indoors, so you can make your return out of the elements. Some even offer a drive-through service. Too good.
Cash refunds
While we love the convenience of a supermarket voucher or a bank transfer refund (available through our apps), there’s a lot to be said for cash. Most depots will be able to offer you a cash refund for your containers, but make sure you check on the locations map before you go.
Collections
If you’re a sports club, school, or business, you might find you’ve got so many containers to deal with you can’t do it alone. You’ll be thrilled to learn that some depots offer a collection service, where they come to you and take your containers away. Fees and requirements differ, so the best thing to do is look up depots in your area and get in touch with them directly.
