Ahead of the two-year anniversary of Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme on Saturday November 1, 2025 Scouts Victoria has reached two major milestones: recycling more than 50 million containers since the Scheme’s launch and for the first time processing over one million containers in a single week across its statewide network.
On top of this, Scout Groups have also collected donations of over 1 million containers, putting more than $100,000 back into Scout Groups directly.
Together these efforts have returned over $5 million directly into the hands of Victorian communities, families and Scout Groups, helping fund programs, camps and leadership opportunities for thousands of young people.
For Scouts Victoria this is more than a recycling milestone; it’s an example of Scouting’s mission in action: empowering young people to make a positive contribution to their communities and the environment.
Since acquiring the Breakwater Depot on September 1 this year Scouts Victoria has expanded its recycling network into Melbourne’s west, Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula, increasing access and strengthening its role in Victoria’s sustainability movement.
Scouts Victoria now operates six container deposit depots across Victoria, located in: Mount Waverley, Glen Waverley, Carnegie, Burwood, Campbellfield and Breakwater (Geelong). This growing network ensures both metropolitan and regional communities can easily participate in recycling while directly supporting local Scouting.
The next step for Scouts Victoria is to extend its commercial collection service into pubs, hotels, event venues and other large organisations. These partnerships will provide convenient recycling solutions for high-volume operators while directly supporting youth development and local community initiatives.
Scouts Victoria is already working with partners such as the Royal Children’s Hospital and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners who play an important role in ensuring that every dollar raised through recycling continues to flow back into communities.
“Every container counts,” said Chief Commissioner Rod Byrnes. “Our youth members aren’t just learning about sustainability; they’re leading it. Through initiatives like this, Scouting gives young people the chance to live our values of service, care for the environment and leadership in action.”
“As well as the recycling benefits, it’s real money going back into the hands of local communities and youth programs,” Rod added. “We thank the Victorian Government for this forward-thinking initiative and invite more commercial partners to join us in creating environmental and social change that matters.”
The Victorian Container Deposit Scheme forms part of the Government’s Recycling Victoria: A new economy plan, a state-wide strategy to increase recycling, reduce litter and empower community organisations to deliver measurable environmental outcomes. Scouts Victoria’s achievements are a powerful demonstration of the Scheme’s vision in action, combining environmental leadership, community service and youth education.
Local Scout Groups are already seeing the rewards. Barwon Heads Scout Group has collected more than 55,000 containers, using the proceeds to fund youth adventures, camps and training opportunities that develop resilience, confidence and teamwork.
Scouts Victoria welcomes enquiries from commercial partners and major venues looking to reduce waste, enhance their sustainability credentials and support Victorian youth. Together we can turn every container into an opportunity for young people, for the environment and for a better world.
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