“Since CDS Vic launched in 2023, communities across the West one have embraced returning their eligible containers as an everyday habit. Every container returned means less litter, more recycling and real value flowing back to households, charities and community groups. We’re proud to bring this new machine to Avondale Heights and make it easier for locals to refund, reward and recycle.”

James Dorney, CEO of network operator TOMRA Cleanaway.

Residents of Avondale Heights have a convenient way to return their empty drink containers into cash. A new Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic) reverse vending machine (RVM) has landed at Coles Avondale Heights.

Located at 53-65 Military Road, the new CDS Vic refund point offers residents a fast, easy and rewarding way to return eligible drink containers and claim their 10-cent refund seven days a week, from 7:00am to 8:00pm.

The new Coles Avondale Heights reverse vending machine was officially opened on Friday 3 July with a ribbon cutting celebration attended by the local Member for Niddrie, The Hon. Ben Carroll MP; General Manager Victoria for TOMRA Cleanaway, Tony Catania; Coles Circularity Strategy Manager, Group Sustainability, Shae Courtney; National Operations Manager for Liuzzi Group, Trent Marshall; and CEO of VicReturn, Matt Davis.

The machine marks the tenth CDS Vic refund point in the Moonee Valley City Council area and the fifth RVM in the municipality, joining existing RVMs in Essendon Fields, Ascot Vale and Airport West. With Coles on board as the voucher redemption partner, locals can deposit their eligible cans, bottles and cartons, then redeem their refund as a voucher in-store, perfect for taking a little off the weekly shop.

TOMRA Cleanaway, the local network operator for the CDS Vic West Zone, Victorian GM Tony Catania said the new RVM strengthens an already growing network across Moonee Valley. “With this RVM, Avondale Heights joins a thriving local network of refund points stretching from Essendon Fields to Airport West,” Catania said.

“What excites us most is the community spirit behind it, whether you’re are saving up for something special, raising funds for local charities, schools and sporting clubs. This small act turns an everyday act into a community win.”

CEO of VicReturn the scheme coordinator for CDS Vic, Matt Davis, said community participation had been key to the scheme’s success, and the new refund point would help maintain that momentum in Melbourne’s west.

“With more than 3.2 billion containers returned through CDS Vic in less than three years, we’re seeing strong community participation right across the state. The new Avondale Heights Reverse Vending Machine will build on that success by providing a convenient location to return containers and claim your refund,” Mr Davis said.

Contributing is easy. Collect your eligible containers, return them at one of the 29 refund points across Merri-bek and Moonee Valley City Councils. Find your nearest CDS Vic return point, visit: https://cdsvic.org.au/locations