Victorian Government Container Deposit Scheme

6 aluminium cans lined up

Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic) is a new State Government initiative that provides Victorians with a 10 cent refund for every eligible drink container returned at a refund point.

The initiative starts on 1 November 2023 and will expand over the following 12 months.

Visit the Victorian Government's Container Deposit Scheme location map to find your nearest refund point.

The Victorian Government and its partners will roll out more refund points over the next 12 months. Monash residents can return eligible drink containers at any refund point and are not limited to sites within the City of Monash.

CDS Vic targets drink containers that commonly contribute to litter and are often consumed away from the home. Only certain types of drink containers are eligible to be returned.

Visit CDS Vic's website for what can and can’t be returned.

You can also continue to recycle your drink containers in your household kerbside recycling bins.

Visit the Victorian Government's CDS Vic website for more information about the scheme.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is CDS Vic and how does it work?

Under the State Government's Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic), Victorians can take eligible drink containers to a refund point to earn 10 cents per container.

Depending on the type of refund point you visit, you can receive your refund in the form of an electronic refund, a retail voucher, cash or you can donate your refund to a donation partner of your choice.

To facilitate electronic refunds, Victorians need to download an app created by the State Government's designated zone operator in their area.

City of Monash is in the East Zone and our zone operator is Return-It.

Download the CDS Vic East app on Return-It's website

If you are returning containers in another zone, you will need to use that zone operator's related app. See the zones on the Container Deposit Scheme location map.

If you are using a depot refund point, you may be able to receive cash.

Once returned, the containers are sorted and processed, sent to approved recyclers and are made into something new, such as drink containers.

The scheme aims to:

  • reduce litter
  • create new economic opportunities and jobs
  • turn drink containers into new recycled products.

When does CDS Vic start?

The initiative starts on 1 November 2023 and will expand over the following 12 months.

Where can I deposit my eligible containers in Monash?

The best way to find up-to-date refund points as the initiative expands over the next 12 months is to check the Victorian Government's Container Deposit Scheme location map.

What drink containers are eligible?

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

What condition do the eligible containers need to be in?

The State Government recommends that containers returned for a refund meet the following requirements:

  • The container is not damaged to the extent that it is unsuitable for recycling
  • The barcode can be scanned, and
  • The label can be read.

CDS Vic will accept eligible containers with or without a closure, lid or cap.

I operate an organisation or business in Monash. Can I apply to operate a refund point?

Council does not facilitate CDS Vic collection points. Interested parties should contact the appointed zone operator in Monash.

Please contact Return-It directly for more information. 

Can my charity/community group/sport or educational organisation register to receive donations through CDS Vic?

Visit CDS Vic's fundraising page for more information on eligibility requirements and how to partner with the initiative. 

Related information

Refund point location map

Eligible containers

CDS Vic East app (for refund points in the City of Monash)

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