The imminent start of the 2025 AFL season coincides with the news that Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic) and the Carlton Football Club have committed to a two-year partnership that champions litter reduction and the power of community.
Launched in November 2023, CDS Vic is a beloved and successful recycling program that rewards Victorians, the environment and the community by providing participants with a 10-cent refund for each eligible drink container returned through the scheme.
The scheme follows a high-exposure summer, having stationed collection points and volunteers at the Australian Open. Its first AFL Club partnership builds on this momentum.
Creating enjoyment around litter reduction
VicReturn CEO Jim Round says CDS Vic is eager to invite AFL fans and Carlton Football Club members on the sustainable waste management journey.
The scheme offers charities and community groups such as schools and sports clubs the opportunity to fundraise in a creative and unique way. More than $1.5 million has been returned to these groups since November 2023.
“We’re excited to team up with Carlton, who have one of the AFL’s largest fanbases, to raise participation of Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme in a fun and engaging way,” he says.
“We’re looking forward to helping Carlton members and AFL fans make change through the scheme.”
A shared commitment to fostering community needs
CDS Vic branding in the form of LED, big screen and IPTV signage will flood Carlton’s home ground on AFL days, in addition to the scheme serving as the AFL coach’s laptop partner. Waste reduction and generating community spirit ultimately inspired this partnership that aims to reduce drink containers ending up as litter or in landfill.
Carlton Football Club CEO Brian Cook says the club is thrilled to partner with an organisation pursuing maximum positive social impact.
“Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme is a wonderful initiative for the community, and we’re proud to partner with an organisation that is providing such a valuable impact in Victoria and the environment,” Cook added.
Cook says CDS Vic and Carlton Football Club are bound by a passion for community.
“We look forward to working with the scheme as it embarks on its first AFL Club partnership and seeing where this relationship takes us,” he finishes.
Photography supplied.
Fighting the most littered item in Australia.
