For schools, getting involved in the Container Deposit Scheme is one of the most powerful and practical ways to engage with sustainability.
It’s more than just recycling, it’s a chance to turn everyday actions into meaningful learning experiences and real community impact.
Through the scheme, students can learn why recycling matters, explore the effects of different materials on the environment, and understand the consequences of litter and landfill. It also offers opportunities to build skills in counting, handling money, and fundraising for things that matter to your school whether it’s new resources, excursions, or supporting local causes.
Want to get started? Reach out to your local depot to see how they can support your school’s involvement and help you make the most of the scheme.
Bottle drives are an easy and effective way for schools to raise funds while engaging the wider community. Whether it's a one-off event or a regular initiative, students, parents, and staff can work together to collect eligible containers — turning rubbish into resources for new equipment, school trips, or community projects. It’s a team effort that teaches leadership, responsibility, and environmental stewardship.
Reach our to our customer service team to express interest in a bottle drive
The scheme creates real-world learning opportunities across a range of subjects. Students can explore sustainability, recycling systems, and environmental impact in a hands-on way. It also supports practical learning in areas like math (through counting and tracking returns), economics (understanding value and fundraising), and science (material types and waste impact). It’s a powerful tool to help students connect classroom lessons to real-life action.
Find out more about program offerings here
Sep 03, 2026
Community StoriesReturning your containers just got smarter. Return-It is using CountAIner, an AI-powered counting machine, to help make container returns faster and more efficient for Victorians. Following its successful launch at our Dandenong South Fast Counting Depot, a second CountAIner is now operating at our Mulgrave Fast Counting Depot. So, what is CountAIner? CountAIner uses … Continued
May 13, 2026
UncategorisedWe’re so excited to share with you all today that our new Return-It website is live! 💚 We’ve refreshed the site to make it easier than ever to find the information you need and discover the best way to return your containers: What’s new: A fresh, more familiar look across all pages. ♻️ Improved location … Continued
Sep 24, 2025
Community StoriesIn the heart of the Dandenong Ranges, the volunteers at Emerald State Emergency Service (SES) are known for answering the call when storms hit, trees fall, and emergencies strike. But lately, they’ve been making headlines for something a little different-bottles and cans. Since November 2023, Emerald SES has been quietly transforming into a community-powered fundraising … Continued
Sep 03, 2026
Community StoriesReturning your containers just got smarter. Return-It is using CountAIner, an AI-powered counting machine, to help make container returns faster and more efficient for Victorians. Following its successful launch at our Dandenong South Fast Counting Depot, a second CountAIner is now operating at our Mulgrave Fast Counting Depot. So, what is CountAIner? CountAIner uses … Continued
May 13, 2026
UncategorisedWe’re so excited to share with you all today that our new Return-It website is live! 💚 We’ve refreshed the site to make it easier than ever to find the information you need and discover the best way to return your containers: What’s new: A fresh, more familiar look across all pages. ♻️ Improved location … Continued
Sep 24, 2025
Community StoriesIn the heart of the Dandenong Ranges, the volunteers at Emerald State Emergency Service (SES) are known for answering the call when storms hit, trees fall, and emergencies strike. But lately, they’ve been making headlines for something a little different-bottles and cans. Since November 2023, Emerald SES has been quietly transforming into a community-powered fundraising … Continued
