Turning Containers into Community Impact: Victorian Sports Clubs Raise $3M Through Recycling Initiative

Across Victoria, sports clubs are proving that small actions can lead to meaningful impact - both on and off the field.

Through Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic), sports clubs, schools and community groups have collectively raised more than $3 million by returning eligible drink containers, transforming everyday recycling into a powerful fundraising tool.

For sport, the impact is already tangible.

Clubs have contributed more than $870,000 towards facility upgrades, uniforms, equipment and travel, all while helping reduce litter and keeping valuable materials in the circular economy.

What makes the model so effective is its simplicity. A 10-cent refund for each eligible container creates an easy, accessible way for clubs and their communities to generate steady income streams, often by building collection into everyday routines.

And it’s not just about the dollars.

From improved accessibility at local tennis clubs to supporting athletes competing on the national stage, the scheme is helping strengthen community connection while embedding sustainable behaviours.

At Sale Tennis Club, funds raised have been used to improve accessibility, including the installation of wheelchair-friendly pathways; creating a more inclusive environment for players and spectators alike.

In Bendigo, Dragon City Roller Derby is using funds to support interstate competition, with members actively collecting containers at events and within the community, turning sustainability into a shared team effort.

More broadly, the initiative highlights a key opportunity for sport: integrating sustainability into day-to-day operations in ways that deliver both environmental and community outcomes.

With more than 2.9 billion containers already returned through the scheme since its launch in November 2023, the scale of impact continues to grow, reinforcing the role sport can play in driving circular economy practices at a grassroots level.

For clubs looking to build resilience, strengthen community ties and take practical climate action, initiatives like CDS Vic offer a clear, proven pathway.