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

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

What type of refund point should I use?

May 2024

Victorians - we love to recycle!

Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic) is designed to complement 20 years of successful kerbside recycling by capturing all those drink containers we most commonly consume when we're away from home. These are the type of containers that often end up discarded in the street and can make their way into our parks and waterways.

There are three different types of refund points where you can return your eligible containers. So if you've got a load of containers ready to return but are not sure which type of refund point is best to use, let's run through how they all work.

Depot

Got a trailer load or multiple large bags of containers? Head to your nearest depot where you can walk-in or drive-through to get your drink containers counted and refunded on the spot. Depots can accept small loads but are best for large loads.

Refund options from depots include electronic payment or cash, or you can choose to donate your refund to one of our registered charities or community groups.

Here's a video that has information about using depots.

Over the Counter

In some areas, small businesses or organisations provide an over-the-counter service. These are a good option for when you only have a few containers to return. Refund options from an over-the-counter provider include electronic payment, cash or vouchers, or you can choose to donate your refund to one of our registered charities or community groups.

Here's a video that has information about returning your containers over-the-counter.

Reverse Vending Machine (RVM)

Got a smaller bag or a small bucket full of containers? Hit up your nearest RVM.

Feed your containers into the machine with the barcodes facing up so they can be scanned and verified. You can leave the lids on, as we recycle these too!

Keep in mind that our RVMs don’t have cash. You can get a refund electronically through the CDS Vic app, or you can choose to receive a supermarket voucher, or select a charity on the RVM screen and donate your refund to one of our registered charities or community groups.

Here's a video with more information about using RVMs.