Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme

An assortment of used drink cans and bottles in a large blue box.

CDS Vic is a Victorian Government initiative that provides a 10 cent refund for eligible drink containers returned for recycling. The scheme helps reduce litter, recover valuable materials and support economic opportunities for the community.

How the scheme works

  1. Look for the 10c refund mark on the label and collect eligible drink containers.
  2. Take your containers to a CDS Vic refund point.
  3. Receive a 10 cent refund for each eligible container. Depending on the refund point, refunds can be received as cash, a voucher, an electronic payment. You can also choose to donate to a participating organisation.

Eligible containers

Most beverage containers between 150mL and 3L made from glass, plastic, aluminium, steel or liquid paperboard (cartons) are eligible for a refund. Eligible containers usually display the 10c refund mark.

Here are some tips to help you get your refund:

  • Do not crush containers. Most refund points require containers to be intact for identification and processing.
  • Lids can be left on. They will be recycled along with the container.
  • Containers should be empty but do not need to be washed.
  • Leave labels attached so containers can be identified.

If you're unsure whether a container is eligible, use the CDS Vic container eligibility checker.

Ineligible containers

The following items cannot be returned through the scheme:

  • Plain milk containers of all sizes, including plant-based milk alternatives
  • Flavoured milk containers of 1L or more
  • Glass wine and spirit bottles
  • Cordial and syrup containers
  • Juice containers of 1L or more
  • Household food containers such as tuna cans
  • Containers smaller than 150mL or larger than 3L

Most of these items can still be recycled through your household recycling bin.

Refund points

You can use a reverse vending machine or over-the-counter refund point to receive your refund.

Reverse vending machines

Reservoir

  • Congo's Bottle Shop Reservoir: 96 Strathmerton Street, Reservoir
  • Edwardes Lake Hotel Reservoir: 257 Edwardes Street, Reservoir
  • Visy Reservoir: 4 Radford Road, Reservoir

Preston

  • Lucky Bell Cellars & Grocery Preston: 595 Bell Street, Preston
  • CDS Vic Depot Preston operated by Envirobank: 24 Quinn Street, Preston
  • Ray Bramham Gardens Preston: 50 St Georges Road, Preston
  • Preston South Shopping Centre: 50 Plenty Road, Preston
  • Northland Shopping Centre Preston: 2–50 Murray Road, Preston

Fairfield

  • Fairfield Oval: 101 Yarra Bend Road, Fairfield

Bundoora

  • Yulong Reserve Bundoora: 60 Bent Street, Bundoora

Over-the-counter return points

Reservoir

  • Amery Street Milkbar Reservoir: 13A Amery Street, Reservoir
  • Thirsty Camel Reservoir: 696 High Street, Reservoir
  • Duncan's Reservoir: 28 Yarra Avenue, Reservoir

Preston

  • Supermarket Preston: 415 High Street, Preston
  • Lucky Bell Cellars & Grocery Preston: 595 Bell Street, Preston

Thornbury

  • Upside Liquor Thornbury: 1/387 Station Street, Thornbury
  

Find all Victorian refund points on the CDS map 

Public bin baskets

We've installed bin baskets on selected public waste bins, making it easy to drop off or collect eligible drink containers displaying the 10¢ refund mark while you're out and about. You can find them along streets and in parks:

  • Edwardes Lake Park, Reservoir
  • Edwardes St, Reservoir
  • Spring St, Reservoir
  • Broadway St, Reservoir
  • Penders Park, Thornbury
  • Batman Park, Northcote
  • All Nations Park, Northcote.

FAQs

What are the benefits of the Container Deposit Scheme?

The Container Deposit Scheme helps increase recycling, reduce litter, support community fundraising, and create new opportunities to return drink containers for recycling. It also supports Darebin's goal of diverting 80% of waste from landfill by 2030.

Who pays the 10 cents for each container?

The scheme is funded by the beverage industry, and once returned, the containers become material for recycling. CDS Vic is a product stewardship scheme. That means beverage companies pay for the 10 cent refund for each container and the operating costs of the scheme. It also means beverage suppliers are playing their part in helping to reduce litter, improve recycling rates and reduce the number of containers that end up in landfill.

Can our community group or charity raise funds through the Container Deposit Scheme?

Yes. The Container Deposit Scheme provides charities, schools, sporting clubs and community groups with opportunities to raise funds while supporting recycling. Organisations can receive container donations as a registered Donation Partner, or can run a refund collection point themselves and host container collection drives.

 

For more information, visit the CDS Vic fundraising webpage.

Can I still put eligible containers in my recycling bin?

Yes. Eligible containers can continue to be placed in your recycling bin. Returning them through CDS Vic simply gives you the option to receive a 10 cent refund.

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