Victorians who’ve been dutifully dropping bottles into recycling bins now have a cash incentive to up their game. The state’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic) is launching a competition offering five residents the chance to win $10,000 each — cheekily branded as “One Million Cents.”
The campaign runs from 5 May to 15 June 2025 and is open to anyone in Victoria who returns eligible drink containers through the scheme. Every 50 items dropped off in one go gets you a ticket in the draw — regardless of whether the refund is pocketed or donated to charity. And for one lucky winner, there’s a bonus: an extra $10,000 to give to a registered charity, school or community group linked to the scheme.
Since its launch in November 2023, CDS Vic has recorded 1.8 billion containers returned — amounting to $180 million back into the hands of residents, or in many cases, into the tills of schools, local causes and sporting clubs. About $1.7 million has been channelled towards donations.
Jim Round, CEO of VicReturn, the body overseeing the scheme, said the response has exceeded expectations. “I’m so proud of how Victorians have embraced the scheme and the positive impact it is making on sustainability and community fundraising,” he said.
He added that the Win A Million! Cents competition is not just about incentives. “It’s a fun way to thank Victorians for their support and to encourage even more participation.”
Participants can choose to keep their 10-cent-per-container refund or donate it to one of the 700+ causes registered on the platform. Either way, every bulk return is a ticket to win — quite literally. The campaign hopes to build on growing community engagement, and ensure more bottles and cans end up where they belong.
For many schools and grassroots groups, the scheme has become a welcome source of passive fundraising. It’s not uncommon for sports clubs to hold ‘bottle drives’ or for local councils to set up collection cages at events and parks.
To enter the competition or check the eligibility of your drink containers, visit winamillioncents.com.au. And if you’re still unsure where to drop off your cans and bottles, cdsvic.org.au has an interactive map of refund points across the state.
You don’t need a massive stash to participate — just a regular recycling habit and 50 containers per visit. That’s roughly what a couple of footy fans might go through in a weekend.
The message is clear: if you’re already recycling, you’re halfway there. And if you’re not, there’s now ten thousand good reasons to start.
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