Zoos Victoria and Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic) have partnered to encourage visitors to recycle eligible drink containers to support conservation work for threatened frog species.
The “Don’t Kiss This Frog” campaign, launched during National Recycling Week (10–16 November), ties container returns to funding for programs that aim to protect species such as the Southern Giant Burrowing Frog. Under the scheme, most aluminium, glass, plastic and carton drink containers between 150ml and 3L attract a 10-cent refund, which can be donated to Zoos Victoria.
Eligible containers can be dropped into designated bins at Melbourne Zoo and other Zoos Victoria properties, or returned at CDS Vic refund points by selecting Zoos Victoria as the preferred donation partner. Visitors can also buy drinks at zoo outlets and return the empty containers to the on-site bins.
The organisations say the initiative responds to the high number of drink containers consumed each year and the impact of litter on local ecosystems. Funds raised will contribute to habitat restoration and frog recovery programs.
The Hon. Steve Dimopoulos, Minister for Environment, said, “The Victorian Government is proud to support this initiative, which not only promotes recycling but also helps protect some of our state’s most vulnerable frog species. It’s a fantastic example of how community action, sustainability and conservation can go hand in hand.”
Dr Jenny Gray, CEO at Zoos Victoria, said, “Fighting frog extinction doesn’t need to be a fairy tale, especially when Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme helps Victorians make better decisions about their waste, while helping to fund programs that will see our most threatened species hop well into the future.”
Marianne Doyle, interim CEO at scheme coordinator VicReturn, said, “The partnership between Zoos Victoria and Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme gives Victorians the chance to turn waste into a way to restore habitats, reduce litter and support Zoos Victoria’s recovery programs for critically endangered species and we’re so proud to be part of the change.”
