Campaspe Shire Council is pleased to be partnering with Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic), in the rollout of a diversion basket trial aimed at reducing litter, improving public amenity and recycling outcomes, and supporting local community members and groups.
One hundred diversion baskets will be installed at public locations across the shire to capture CDS Vic-eligible drink containers that might otherwise end up in landfill or be discarded as litter. The baskets provide a convenient way for community members to ensure eligible containers are recycled, while also offering an easy way for those who wish to collect and return eligible containers for the 10c refund offered by CDS Vic, to do so. Anyone can deposit an eligible container into a basket, and any community member is welcome to claim it.
Since the introduction of the scheme in November 2023, eligible drink containers have increasingly been removed from public bins by community members and recyclers seeking the 10c refund. While this has supported recycling, it has also resulted in damage to bin surrounds, lids, and internal components, as well as exposing community members rummaging in the bins to potential injury from discarded items.
Campaspe Shire Deputy Mayor Cr Tony Marwood said the trial offered a practical way to reduce bin damage and improve waste diversion, while encouraging responsible and safe recycling behaviour among community members.
"Diversion baskets make it easier for people to do the right thing when they're out and about," Cr Marwood said. "They provide a safe, clearly marked place for eligible containers only, helping to protect public infrastructure while ensuring valuable recyclables are kept out of landfill.
"Every eligible container placed in a basket is one less item littering our streets or waterways, and it also means more funds flowing back into the local community through CDS Vic."
Since its introduction, CDS Vic has already delivered strong local results in Campaspe Shire, with more than 37.6 million eligible containers returned and over $3.7 million refunded to the community. In the January-March 2026 quarter alone, more than 4.6 million containers were returned, generating $466,761.80 in refunds.
Matt Davis, CEO of scheme coordinator VicReturn, said the bin baskets will help capture more containers in public spaces, which has been challenging.
"When you're out and about, look for a CDS Vic bin basket. Leave your eligible containers for someone else or take them with you to return at your nearest refund point," Mr Davis said.
Cr Marwood said the diversion baskets also helped businesses and public space managers who often had to deal with container litter.
"These baskets are particularly useful in high‑traffic areas where eligible bottles and cans are commonly discarded," Cr Marwood said.
"They improve amenity while ensuring containers are recycled correctly and refunds stay within the community."
Clear signage will be installed on each diversion basket to explain how the system works and what items can be deposited. Council will monitor usage and community feedback throughout the trial period, May 2026 to February 2027, to help inform future rollout decisions.
VicReturn is providing financial support for the rollout of the baskets, while Campaspe Shire Council will share monitoring data and contribute to statewide promotion of the project. There are 24 councils participating in this project, each installing a similar number of baskets.
Find your nearest CDS Vic refund point at cdsvic.org.au
