Victoria's container deposit scheme operator, managing the collection and processing of eligible beverage containers across the state.
Australia
Understanding VICReturn’s Role in Victoria
VICReturn is the official coordinator of Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (VIC CDS), responsible for managing beverage container recovery operations across the state. The program launched in 2023 with a mandate to reduce litter, increase material recovery, and drive public participation in a modern, circular economy-based recycling system.
VIC CDS is governed by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, regulated by Environment Protection Authority (EPA), with national policy alignment under the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. VICReturn works with three zone operators and hundreds of refund points across Victoria-including reverse vending machines, bag drop locations, and depot-style collection sites.
Industry Stewardship and Compliance
VICReturn oversees the coordination of multiple stakeholders across collection, logistics, processing, and refund operations. It ensures that container verification, volume reporting, and collection performance meet regulatory standards outlined by the Victorian government and enforced by the EPA.
The system incorporates fraud detection, real-time analytics, and digital container tracking, enabling transparency, audibility, and continuous performance improvement. Through robust API integrations, VIC CDS facilitates seamless reporting, container validation, and refund processing across zone operators, return points, and back-end infrastructure.
Governance and Environmental Impact
As the centralized CDS coordinator, VICReturn plays a critical role in helping Victoria reach its Waste and Recycling Policy goals, including the reduction of landfill use and litter across communities. The system empowers residents to recycle via mobile collection services, automated drop-off, and digital refund platforms, reinforcing sustainable behaviour.
In partnership with regulatory authorities and industry stakeholders, VICReturn promotes consumer education, container reuse, and data-driven environmental reporting. These efforts support Victoria’s broader objectives for emissions reduction, resource recovery, and long-term recycling program scalability.