Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme: How It Works
, by Hello Charlie Blogs, 3 min reading time
Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme, CDS Vic, has been operating since 1 November 2023. Eligible drink containers can be returned for a 10-cent refund, helping keep valuable aluminium, glass, plastic and cartons in circulation and out of streets and waterways.
Quick answer: look for the Victorian 10-cent refund mark, keep the barcode readable and take eligible containers to an official refund point. Eligibility depends on the container—not simply whether its material can be recycled.
Which containers are eligible?
Most eligible drink containers are between 150 millilitres and 3 litres and are made from aluminium, steel, glass, plastic or liquid paperboard. Common examples include many soft drink, water, beer, cider, sports drink and flavoured milk containers.
Check the label for a Victorian 10-cent refund statement and use the official eligibility checker when uncertain. The rules include exceptions, and packaging can change.
What is usually excluded?
Common exclusions include:
- plain milk containers;
- glass wine and spirit bottles;
- containers smaller than 150 mL or larger than 3 L;
- large pure fruit or vegetable juice containers; and
- cordial or concentrated drink containers.
An excluded container may still belong in your household recycling, depending on local council rules. “Not eligible for 10 cents” does not automatically mean “not recyclable”.
How to prepare returns
- Empty the container. A quick rinse can reduce odour, but do not waste large amounts of water.
- Leave the label and barcode attached so the container can be identified.
- Do not crush containers before using an automated refund point.
- Sort only if your chosen refund point asks you to.
- Check that location’s guidance on lids and accepted return method before travelling.
Refund options vary by point and may include cash, electronic payment, vouchers or donation to a participating charity, school or community group.
Find the right refund point
CDS Vic uses depots, reverse-vending machines, over-the-counter sites and pop-up points across three network zones. Search the official CDS Vic refund-point map for hours, accessibility, return limits and payment options.
Can containers still go in the kerbside bin?
Yes, eligible containers can still be placed in the correct household recycling bin, but you will not receive the direct refund. Kerbside collection can remain convenient for people who cannot access a refund point. Follow your council’s instructions, particularly as Victoria transitions to standardised household waste and glass services.
Does the scheme really help?
A deposit gives empty containers a value, encouraging collection and producing cleaner, more separated recycling streams. It also supports fundraising. The scheme does not solve overconsumption or every packaging problem, so reducing unnecessary drinks packaging and using refillable containers still matter.
Make it easy at home
- Keep a clearly labelled return tub near the recycling area.
- Store glass safely away from children.
- Choose a regular drop-off day before containers accumulate.
- Let children count refunds with adult supervision, without handling broken or contaminated items.
- Ask a local club or school whether it has a donation partner ID.
For everything outside CDS Vic, use our updated guide to recycling at home in Australia and check your council before putting an unfamiliar item in the kerbside bin.