Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme

Person reading about what can returned through the container deposit scheme

All Victorians can take their eligible beverage containers to a refund point where they can be exchanged for a 10 cent refund. You can keep the refund or donate it to one of the donation partners.

To participate in Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme:

  1. Collect eligible drink containers
  2. Find your nearest refund location on the interactive map
  3. Keep or donate your refund.

Learn more about the program at the Victorian Government website.

Trials and Initiatives

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of containers can I return?

You can return most containers between 150mL and 3 litres that are made of:

  • aluminium
  • glass
  • plastic
  • liquid paperboard (carton)

Look for the 10c mark on the drink container label, it's often located near the barcode.

Eligble Containers.PNG 

What cannot be return for a 10c refund?

There are some drink containers that are not eligible for a refund. Containers that are less than 150mL and greater than 3 litres are usually excluded. 

The following are not eligible for a refund:

  • Plain milk containers of all sizes, including plant-based milk substitutes.
  • Concentrated or undiluted cordial or syrup containers.
  • Wine or pure spirits bottles made of glass, including single serve formats.
  • Sachets (soft plastic or foil) above 250mL that contained wine.
  • Containers 1 litre or greater that contained flavoured milk, pure fruit or vegetable juice, cask wine or cask water.
  • Registered health tonics, including small probiotic shots less than 150mL.
  • Containers less than 150mL.

You can still recycle many of these containers in your kerbside recycling bin.

not eligble containers.PNG

How do I prepare my containers?

Keep the label on and don't crush the container

Scanners inside vending machines will identify the shape, label and barcode of each container to ensure it is eligible for a refund. Broken bottles, crushed cans and bottles without labels will not be eligible for a refund.

Containers must be empty

You don't have to rinse each container, but it must be empty and the outside clean enough that the barcode can be scanned by the vending machine.

Leave the lids on

They will become part of the circular economy too and will be made into new products.

Check which containers are eligible

Where do I deposit my containers?

Visy operates all the Yarra Ranges refund sites. Find your nearest refund point.

 

 

 

How can I claim my refund?

A refund can be redeemed by voucher, cash or you may choose to donate it to a charity or community organisation.

Learn more about the refund options

 

Who manages the Container Deposit Scheme?

Visy manages the Container Deposit Scheme including set up and refund collection points; Council is not involved in setting up or managing the container deposit scheme. Contact Visy for more information.
 
VicReturn is the scheme coordinator who manages the financial and administrative aspects of the program.

How can I become a refund collection point?

To become a refund collection point operator you must be one of the following:

  • a business
  • a not-for-profit organisation
  • a community or sporting group.

You will need to check whether a planning permit is required by contacting Council's Planning Team and then complete a form through Visy.

How do I become a donation partner?

You can register your interest to become a donation partner if you are a:

  • community group
  • sporting clubs
  • not-for-profit organisation
  • business.

If you would like to receive donations, please visit Visy's website to learn more.


 

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