Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme, CDS Vic launched on 1 November, 2023. If you are a first supplier, learn how to register here. If you are a consumer looking for a return point, click here.

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How Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme, CDS Vic works

Recycling Victoria is the government body responsible for the regulation, oversight, and administrative direction of Victoria’s scheme (CDS Vic). CDS Vic is managed by the scheme coordinator VicReturn, a not-for-profit organisation that is funded by the beverages industry. VicReturn has responsibility for financial operations, auditing, managing the risk of fraud and educating the community.

CDS Vic partners with three Zone Operators who deliver refund points to prescribed zones. The Zone Operators – Return-It, TOMRA Cleanaway and Visy – also manage refunds to customers and donation partners and ensure the proper recycling of containers.

Beverage suppliers selling product in Victoria fund the CDS Vic scheme via a cost recovery model. Any businesses selling beverages in containers or giving them away as part of a promotion, whether manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers or retailers must register as a First Supplier with Recycling Victoria then enter a supply agreement with Vic Return to register any eligible containers.

Most non-alcoholic beverage containers between 150 mL and 3 litres in volume are eligible for a 10 cent refund. Refunds can be claimed in several ways including retail vouchers, cash refunds, or refunds can be donated to an eligible charity. You can find what is and isn’t a CDS Vic-eligible container here.

Further information on the scheme can be found on the scheme at CDS Vic’s website and VicReturn’s website.