The rails allow anyone to place eligible bottles, cans and small juice cartons in the rail instead of the bin, which people can then collect and cash in for the 10c refund at CDS Vic refund points. 

Supported by a $4,000 CDS Vic grant, the trial aims to reduce litter, keep recyclables out of landfill and prevent damage to public bins from people looking for eligible containers.

Drink containers are one of the most common items found in public bins and parks. Recycling through the CDS also creates cleaner recycling streams, helping more materials be recovered and reused.

Most drink containers between 150mL and 3L are eligible, including aluminium, glass, plastic, steel and liquid paperboard. Items such as coffee cups, plain milk bottles, wine bottles and spirits are not eligible. Eligibility information is available on the CDS Vic website. 

Rails will not be emptied by City staff unless heavily contaminated, as results from trials at other councils shows rails in busy areas are rarely left full due to people collecting for refunds.

Environment and Circular Economy portfolio chair Councillor Elise Wilkinson 

Installing these CDS collection rails is a simple, practical step that helps keep valuable materials out of landfill.

This trial gives our community an easy way to support recycling while keeping our public spaces cleaner.

Environment and Circular Economy portfolio deputy chair Councillor Emma Sinclair 

We know the CDS has been embraced across Greater Geelong, with millions of containers already returned.

These new rails will reduce bin damage, cut contamination and make it easier for people to collect containers for the 10c refund.

Audits will be conducted before and after installation to measure changes in container recovery. If successful, the City will consider expanding the program as a cost‑effective alternative to public recycling bins, which are often too contaminated to process.

For more information visit Victorian Container Deposit Scheme | City of Greater Geelong.