Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic) is a Victorian Government initiative that rewards Victorians with a 10-cent refund for every eligible drinking container they recycle at designated refund points.

The first week following the launch of the CDS Vic on Wednesday 1 November 2023 saw 10 million containers dropped off across Victoria.

One of the ways that residents can participate in the CDS Vic is recycling drink containers through self-service drop-off points called “reverse vending machines”.

We’re excited to announce that Yarra’s first reverse vending machine is now open at Collingwood Leisure Centre.

This comes after the community showed strong support for us using the site during a consultation in September 2023.

These new reverse vending machines will allow residents to be reimbursed for recycling eligible containers including cans, cartons, glass and plastic bottles between 150ml and 1L in size.

These machines typically receive 10,000 containers per day per machine. 

The introduction of the scheme will benefit the Yarra community by:

• reducing litter in streets and waterways
• providing charities, community groups, environmental organisations, sports groups, and educational organisations with a potential fund-raising stream
• increasing recycling participation.

Yarra Mayor Cr Edward Crossland said Yarra’s participation in Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme continues to show Council’s dedication to supporting Victoria’s transition to a circular economy.

“We’re excited to work with the Victorian Government to provide our residents with opportunities and incentives to recycle more materials and transition to a circular economy,” Cr Crossland said.

“We know our community wants to see a future for Yarra with a safe climate where people and nature thrive, and this program is just one of the many ways we’re working towards this objective."

"We hope the work of programs like this help make that a reality.”

Preparations are taking place to install reverse vending machines at three more locations across the municipality. These locations are yet to be confirmed and will be announced soon.