Victorians have smashed container return records this summer, with the state’s container deposit scheme recording its highest-ever weekly collection.

According to Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic) a total of 34.85 million drink containers were collected in the week commencing 12 January 2026, eclipsing the previous weekly record of 33.9 million, which was set the same time last year.

Stacked end to end, the containers would stretch around 6000 kilometres — enough to run from Melbourne CBD to Cairns and back.

Return volumes have held incredibly strong this month, with over 33.6 million cans, bottles and cartons returned the past three consecutive weeks (since December 29) – a first for the two-year-old scheme.

During the fortnight from Monday 22 December, 2025 to Sunday 4 January, 2026, Victorians returned 61.9 million containers through the scheme, surpassing last year’s total of 58.2 million in the same period. The busiest days on record were 22 and 23
December 2025, with over 6.5 million and 6.6 million daily containers returned respectively.

“These record-breaking results show Victorians are embracing the Container Deposit Scheme as part of everyday life,” said Matt Davis, CEO of VicReturn (scheme coordinator).

“It’s a win for the community and a win for the environment. Every eligible drink container returned is one less piece of litter in the environment and another step towards a stronger circular economy.

“Victorians are doing the right thing, returning drink containers in record numbers and helping to reduce litter across our streets, parks and waterways.”

Currently VicReturn does not accept wine and spirits bottles, with most other states and territories moving to include them.

Queensland has already integrated glass wine and spirit bottles into its container deposit scheme, while container deposit schemes in NSW and South Australia will accept wine and spirit bottles and larger drink containers from late 2027.

Western Australia recently committed to expanding its scheme and the Northern Territory also recently announced it will bring in legislation to expand its scheme.

The move has attracted criticism from Australian Grape & Wine, which said it will impose significant new costs on wine businesses while providing limited additional environmental benefit.

“This decision couldn’t come at a worse time for our industry,” said Chief Executive Lee McLean, chief executive of Australian Grape & Wine.

“Australian winemakers are already grappling with global oversupply, rising production costs, and the ongoing recovery from the loss of the China export market.

“Adding another $85 million in costs nationally through CDS expansion will only compound these pressures.”