Container Deposit Scheme

You are now able to collect eligible beverage containers and take them to a refund point to earn 10 cents per container. Depending on the type of return point you deposit your containers at, this refund can be received in the form of cash, retail voucher, an electronic refund, or you can donate your refund to a donation partner of your choice.

A refund point is a collection place where you can return your eligible containers and get your refund.

There are four types of refund points:

• Reverse vending machines (RVMs) are conveniently located self-service return points. You will be able to find these near supermarkets and in public spaces across Victoria once CDS Vic launches
  
  
• Depots will be staffed centres that are able to sort and count bulk loads of beverage containers. You can either walk-through or drive-through to get your containers counted and you can get a cash or electronic refund
  
  
• Over the counter (OTC) refund points will be located at businesses and organisations in your community. Once you hand over your containers, they will count them for you and provide a refund
  
  
• Bag drops and collections are available at select locations as a convenient way to cash in your containers. These are operated within zones and require you to be registered to process payment. Similarly, zones may operate a collection service for businesses. Note: there may be limits on the number of containers received at certain refund points

Find your closest refund point by visiting the interactive map.  

Note: refund points will continue to be rolled out so make sure you keep checking the map for further updates.

Only certain types of drink containers are eligible for the scheme. Check CDS Vic’s website for what can and can't be returned.

Each zone operator will have an app available, which can be downloaded by scanning a QR code at the refund point when returning containers. Depending on which zone you are returning containers in, you will need to use the related app.

Using an app is an option available for people who prefer this way of managing refunds.

You won’t have to use the app to return containers and receive a refund. Instead, you can receive a paper voucher from the machine, or if you are using a depot refund point, you can receive cash.

If you are from a not-for-profit organisation such as a charity, school, sports club or community organisation, you can use the Container Deposit Scheme as a new way to raise funds.

Your organisation will be able to receive donations from the community, run a refund collection point, or host a container collection drive. This could mean:

• Your group can seek donations of eligible drink containers from your community that can then be collected and redeemed for a refund from a refund point
• Charities, community groups and sports clubs can apply to the zone operators to set up and run refund points. If you’re interested in becoming a refund point, contact Visy to find your local zone operator and find out more about what is required to host a refund point
• Not-for-profit groups can apply to become a donation partner and receive donations from the community.

This is a great way to encourage more recycling while ensuring individuals, local groups and charities can share in the cash benefits of recycling their used cans, bottles and cartons.

Find out more on the CDS Vic website.