One of the simplest ways to be part of that cycle is by returning eligible drink containers through Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic).
Single-use drink containers remain the third-most commonly littered item in Australia, behind soft plastics and non-food packaging, according to Clean Up Australia’s Annual Litter Report FY25.
When bottles, cans and cartons are littered, they can pollute waterways, harm wildlife and create costly clean-up challenges for communities.
But when they're returned through CDS Vic, those same containers become a valuable resource that can be recycled into new products and kept in circulation for longer.
CDS Vic helps keep eligible drink containers in the recycling loop so they can be remade into new products, preventing them from ending up as litter or landfill.
Receive a 10-cent refund for every eligible bottle, can and carton returned.
With more than 600 refund points across Victoria, returning containers through CDS Vic is easy.
Most eligible aluminium, glass and carton drink containers between 150mL and three litres can be returned and recycled into new products. Keep the lids on, as they can be recycled too.
Whether you're collecting a handful of containers at home or managing a larger volume through a school, sporting club or community group, there are many ways to take part in CDS Vic and help power Victoria's circular economy.
Reverse vending machines: Perfect for smaller volumes, reverse vending machines scan and verify containers one by one before providing a refund or donation option. Refunds can be received electronically or as a supermarket voucher, or donated directly to a registered charity or community group.
Depots: Ideal for larger volumes, depots offer walk-in and drive-through services, making it easy to return multiple bags or trailer loads of containers and receive a refund in just a few minutes.
Over-the-counter sites: At participating local businesses and organisations, these refund points provide a timely option for returning smaller numbers of containers.
Public bin baskets: Bin baskets and rails attached to public litter bins provide an easy way to dispose of empties while you’re out and about. Leave them behind for someone else to collect and cash in at a CDS Vic refund point.
Gifting containers: Not planning to visit a refund point yourself? Pass eligible containers on to family, neighbours, schools, sporting clubs or community groups so they can collect the refund and support local fundraising efforts.
Matt Davis, CEO of scheme coordinator VicReturn, said CDS Vic proudly supports Planet Ark’s National Recycling Week, which has encouraged Australians to reduce, reuse and repurpose their waste since 1996.
"National Recycling Week shows us how everyday actions can have a lasting environmental impact," he said.
"By returning eligible drink containers through CDS Vic, you are helping to reduce litter, conserve valuable resources and keep materials in circulation."
Since launching in November 2023, CDS Vic has helped Victorians recycle more, reduce litter and keep valuable materials out of landfill.
Victorians have returned more than 3.7 billion drink containers, earning $370 million in refunds while helping power Victoria's circular economy.
This National Recycling Week, whether you choose to keep your 10-cent refund, donate it to a local cause or simply make recycling part of your routine, every returned container plays a role in turning waste into a resource.
Visit cdsvic.org.au/locations to find your nearest refund point and join the cycle.
