The Allan Labor Government's Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic) has hit a new record over the holiday season, and the scheme is now partnering with Tennis Australia to support grassroots tennis and keep trash out of landfill at the Australian Open.
Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos today announced the record and the partnership with Tennis Australia, which will deliver reusable cups at the Australian Open, and the return of CDS Vic's Trash Talkers and Recycling Hubs to support programs for children and young people to get active with tennis in Victoria.
Record high return were recorded at CDS Vic between 16 December 2024 and the 5 January 2025, with more than 90.2 million containers returned over the Christmas and the New Year.
Now, fans at the Australian Open will be able to sip sustainably in the precinct, with 38,000 Sustainability Victoria reusable cups avoiding more than 400 kilograms of single-use plastic waste.
The reusable cups are manufactured in Victoria by bettercup, which has been supported with funding from the Labor Government's Circular Economy Business Support Fund to eliminate single-use waste at events and venues.
A hit at last year's Australian Open, 'Trash Talkers' and Recycling Hubs are a partnership with Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic), which aims to reduce waste, promote recycling and support grassroots tennis communities across the state.
Refunds from containers collected at AO 2025 will be directed towards the Australian Tennis Foundation's inspirational tennis programs for disadvantaged children and young people, focused in Victoria.
Since the launch of CDS Vic in 2023, there have been 1.27 billion containers deposited, putting $127 million back in the pocket of Victorians, with a 10-cent refund for every eligible can, carton and bottle returned.
For more information on Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme, visit vic.gov.au/container-deposit-scheme.
As stated by Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos
"This partnership with Tennis Australia makes our world-class grand slam the top in sustainability, avoiding 400kg of waste and promoting of circular solutions like reusable cups. Meanwhile we are also advancing recycling via the CDS Vic scheme, with funds going back to tennis programs for kids in Victoria."
"Victorias Container Deposit Scheme is serving up aces - putting more than $9 million back in Victorians' pockets over the festive season, keeping trash out of landfill and backing community groups across the state."
As stated by VicReturn Acting CEO, John Porta
"Our Trash Talkers are here to make recycling a smashing success at AO 2025."
As stated by Tennis Australia's Director of Sustainability Matt Nicholas
"Partnering with the CDS presents a fantastic alignment with our commitment to waste reduction and education, while the rebates received will help to further the important and inspirational work of the Australian Tennis Foundation."
Top metro refund points:
Williamstown Depot operated by Citizen Blue
Melton Depot operated by KARI
Hallam Depot operated by Return-it
Pakenham Depot operated by Return-It
Carrum Downs Depot operated by Nu Container Recycling
Top 5 regional refund points:
Mildura Depot operated by Exchange Depot
Shepparton Depot operated by FOOTT
East Bendigo Depot operated by Envirobank
Kangaroo Flat Depot operated by Envirobank
Lucknow Depot operated by Tambo Recycling Centre
