Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme
Return your bottles and cans, earn a 10¢ refund, and help keep Victoria clean. Every container you return makes a difference to our environment and our communities.
HOW THE SCHEME WORKS
It’s simple: collect eligible drink containers, return them to a refund point, and get 10¢ for every item.
WHY RETURN CONTAINERS?
Every container returned through CDS contributes to a cleaner, greener Victoria. Here’s how:
- Reduce litter: Keep containers out of our parks, waterways, and streets.
- Support recycling: Containers are turned into new products.
- Give back: Many Victorians choose to donate their refunds.
Why participate in the scheme?
Convenient refund points
With hundreds of sites across Victoria — from depots to reverse vending machines — there’s always a refund point near you.
Community benefits
Schools, clubs, and charities are raising funds through container returns, supporting programs that matter locally.
Environmental impact
Every returned container reduces waste in landfill, helping Victoria reach its recycling and waste reduction targets.
Get started today
Joining the Container Deposit Scheme is easy. Collect, return, and earn — while making a positive impact for Victoria’s future.
TOGETHER, WE’RE BUILDING A CIRCULAR ECONOMY
CDS is more than just recycling — it’s a system that keeps valuable resources in use. By turning bottles and cans into new products, we reduce waste, conserve raw materials, and cut carbon emissions. With the support of communities, businesses, and local councils, Victoria’s CDS is creating lasting change. From fundraising opportunities to environmental outcomes, the benefits are far beyond the refund itself.
The impact so far
Millions of containers have already been returned through the scheme, diverting tonnes of material from landfill.
The results are clear: cleaner streets, healthier waterways, and more funds flowing into community groups. And we’re just getting started. Every Victorian has a role to play in shaping a cleaner, greener future.
Related articles
Recycling Containers the Right Way: A Simple Guide to Doing It Properly
Recycling containers play a crucial role in reducing household waste, but many people still aren’t sure what should go where. In this week’s post, we break down the most common container types—glass, plastic, and metal—and explain how to prepare each one for recycling so it actually gets reused instead of ending up in landfill.
$70 of containers a week, collected on the road
“When I’m driving around for work, if I see someone throw a can in a bin, I say, can you throw it at me?”
Be part of the change — return your containers today
FAQS
Where can I return my containers?
You’ll be able to find your nearest refund point using our interactive map. Search your postcode or suburb in the map’s search bar and click on the nearby pins to find important details about each individual refund point location.
Victoria has three zones, with each run by one of our partners – Visy (North Zone), Return-It (East Zone) and TOMRA Cleanaway (West Zone).
What is a refund point?
A refund point is a location where you can return eligible containers for a 10c refund.
What happens if I return an ineligible container?
You won’t receive a refund, and the container may be rejected at the machine or refund point.
What do I do when a reverse vending machine (RVM) is full, clogged or blocked?
Please report the issue using the details provided at the RVM or through the support section of our site.
Will my information remain private?
Yes, all information is managed according to our privacy policy.
Do I need to bring proof of identity to deposit containers?
No proof of identity is required to return containers.
