Victorian businesses and individual consumers can now claim a 10 cent refund on eligible drink containers. Funds can also be donated to community groups, sporting clubs and not-for-profit organisations such as the Penguin Foundation, which focuses on conservation, environmental protection and animal rehabilitation.

There are several ways to return your eligible containers, including reverse vending machines, depots, over-the-counter sites and pop-up refund points.

The scheme aims to create a cleaner stream of material for recycling and reduce the number of bottles, cans and containers ending up in landfill or on local streets and waterways. With over three billion drink containers used by Victorians each year, every container you return helps. The scheme aligns perfectly with the conservation vision and environmental work of the Foundation and Phillip Island Natures Parks on Phillip Island (Millowl).

Keeping rubbish out of oceans, waterways and off beaches assists in keeping wildlife safe from entanglements and other injuries.

The recycling scheme is integral to important work that is transforming Victoria’s waste and recycling system.

The CDS Vic provides shared benefits to the community, environment and economy by delivering:

• more and better recycling
• less waste - old containers become new ones
• less litter - cut by up to half
• opportunities for charities, community groups, environmental organisations, sports and educational organisations to raise funds
• a cleaner, greener state.

To support The Penguin Foundation through the Container Deposit Scheme, please visit the CDS website for more information and search for your local drop off centre or reverse vending machine. There are hundreds of sites based in Eastern Victoria where you can channel your donations directly to the Penguin Foundation. Please click here to find a centre and to download the Vic East Return It App.

The Penguin Foundation partner ID is: C2000008457 and depot attendants can assist you to find the Foundation under the list of partners or scan the Zone ID barcode below.

If you are not located in Victoria, another great way to show support for the Penguin Foundation is to donate or adopt an animal via the website.

Together we can make a positive difference to our community and our environment.

Thank you for your support.

For visitors to Phillip Island (Millowl) and residents of Bass Coast - local collection points are:

There are two depots in Bass Coast Shire operated by Can Collect:

• 36 Inverloch Rd, Wonthaggi
• 14 Harvey Dr, Cowes

Opening hours:
Monday-Friday 8.30am-4.30pm
Saturday-Sunday 10.00am-2.00pm

Reverse Vending Machines

There are two reverse vending machines in Bass Coast Shire:

• IGA Cowes - 161-163 Thompson Ave, Cowes
• IGA San Remo - 135 Marine Parade, San Remo