AFL fans are poised to make a lot of change, with Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic) signing on as a gold partner of the Carlton Football Club until at least the end of 2026.
The scheme is a recycling program that gives back to Victorians, the environment and the community by providing a 10-cent refund for each eligible drink container returned.
The two-year partnership will see CDS Vic branding on AFL match-days including LED, big screen and IPTV signage at home games. It will also be the AFL coach's laptop partner.
The scheme also provides charities and community groups, like schools and sports clubs, new ways to fundraise – with over $1.5 million returned to these groups since launching in November 2023.
The announcement, on the eve of the 2025 AFL season, marks the scheme’s first partnership with an AFL Club.
“We’re excited to team up with Carlton, who have one of the AFL’s largest fanbases, to raise participation of Victoria’s CDS in a fun and engaging way,” said Jim Round, CEO of VicReturn, scheme coordinator of CDS Vic.
“We wish the Blues all the best for season 2025. We’re looking forward to helping Carlton members and all AFL fans make a lot of change through the scheme.”
Carlton Football Club CEO, Brian Cook, added that the club is delighted to have the scheme come on board as a partner for the next two years.
“We are pleased to welcome CDS Vic as a gold partner with the Blues. Victoria's CDS is a wonderful initiative for the community, and we’re proud to partner with an organisation that is providing such valuable impact in Victoria and the environment,” Cook added.
“Today’s announcement aligns two community-focused organisations and we’re incredibly grateful for their support of the Club. We look forward to working with the scheme as it embarks on its first AFL Club partnership and seeing where this relationship takes us.”
With litter reduction at the forefront, the CDS aims to significantly reduce the number of drink containers ending up as litter or in landfill.
