Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic) 'Win A Million Cents' competition will return from 4 May to 14 June 2026, offering five cash prizes of $10,000 for returning eligible drink containers.
The competition, run by scheme coordinator VicReturn, awards one entry for every 50 eligible containers returned in a single transaction through CDS Vic refund points. Winners can choose to keep their refund or donate it to a registered CDS Vic charity, school or community group. One of the five winners will receive an additional $10,000 to donate.
Matt Davis, chief executive officer of VicReturn, said, “Victorians are embracing CDS Vic not only to build a more sustainable future, but because it puts money back in their pockets. Those 10-cent refunds can quickly add up.”
“This competition takes that a step further, with five chances to take home $10,000. With cost-of-living pressures at front of mind for a lot of Victorians, the prize money could make a real difference.”
Minister for Environment Enver Erdogan said, “Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme is transforming the way we recycle, keeping billions of containers out of landfill while supporting families with everyday expenses like groceries and bills.”
“At a time when households are looking for ways to stretch their budgets, the Win A Million Cents competition is a great incentive for even more people to get involved in CDS Vic.”
Last year’s competition saw winners in Geelong, Gippsland, Wodonga and Melbourne suburbs Bayswater and Macleod. The donation prize was awarded to Our Haven Wildlife Shelter in Gippsland.
Theresa Matthews from Our Haven Wildlife Shelter said, “It really meant the world to us because there’s lots of animals out there that need help, and it’s not always easy. We have 25 joeys on bottles, it’s like having 25 babies!”
Since its launch, more than 3 billion containers have been returned through CDS Vic, with over $300 million returned to Victorians.
The competition is open to Victorian residents. Entry details, terms and conditions, and the entry form are available at winamillioncents.com.au. Refund point locations can be found at cdsvic.org.au.
