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
We're running a competition from Monday, 5 May through to Sunday, 15 June 2025 where we'll be giving away five cash prizes of A Million CENTS. That's five prizes of $10,000 up for grabs!
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
Congratulations are in order for schools and students across Victoria. The 2025 entrants into the ResourceSmart Schools Awards have thoroughly impressed us.
Special recognition must be given to Kardinia International College and Wandin Yallock Primary School, winners of the CDS Vic Excellence Award at this year’s ceremony. As the name suggests, we’ve sponsored this award, and it recognises the amazing work these schools are doing to reduce waste and raise funds with Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme.
Kardinia International College, in Geelong, won the secondary school category for the work of their Earthcore group. Led by students Elise White and Geneveive Bass, the group started collecting containers in 2024, and it quickly became part of the fabric of the school.
“It’s amazing because the money goes to our school sustainability fund. We have a vege garden and an indigenous garden,” Geneveive says. “We also got to show to people how those drink containers can produce this outcome.”
In the primary school category, Wandin Yallock Primary School took the award for their collection efforts. Led by students, their program fosters respect for the environment and helps its participants develop leadership skills. It’s even got a mascot: a sea turtle soft toy named Eco, purchased with refunds.
“Our schools are producing incredibly impressive projects that are delivering real environmental benefits across the state,” said Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos.
“Students gain hands-on experience in sustainability, how to reduce waste, conserve energy, and protect the environment while gaining skills that will be with them for life.”
We’re proud of these emerging environmental leaders, and thrilled to be able to support their learning. Well done to our winners and to all the schools that entered.
Want to know more?
- Check out our schools fundraising page
- Read the full list of ResourceSmart Schools Awards winners
- Find out how to donate your refund
