A newly introduced initiative offers an unexpected incentive for participation in established environmental programs.
This development presents a unique opportunity for residents to receive a significant financial reward through their involvement in everyday recycling practices.
If you’ve ever grumbled about the growing pile of empty bottles and cans in your kitchen, here’s some news that might just turn your rubbish into treasure.
Victorians now have the chance to win a whopping $10,000 simply by doing their bit for the environment—and it’s all thanks to a new recycling lottery that’s making waves across the state.
A million cents for your efforts
The ‘Win a million cents’ competition, launched as part of Victoria’s container deposit scheme, is offering five lucky winners a $10,000 cash prize each.
And if that’s not enough to get you rummaging through your recycling bin, one winner will also get the chance to donate an additional $10,000 to a charity of their choice.
It’s a win-win for you, your community, and the planet.
How does it work?
It’s refreshingly simple. From now until 15 June, all you need to do is:
- Return at least 50 eligible drink containers (think plastic bottles, cans, and cartons) in a single transaction at your local refund point.
- Keep your proof of transaction—either a printed receipt or a screenshot from the app.
- Head to the official website and complete the online entry form, uploading your proof.
Every batch of 50 containers gives you one entry into the draw, so the more you recycle in one go, the better your chances.
As Vic Return CEO Jim Round puts it: ‘All you need to do is collect your containers and take them back to your local refund point. Then take a photo of your receipt or a screenshot if you use the app.’
Why is Victoria doing this?
Victoria’s Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos says the campaign is about more than just cash prizes. ‘Not only does it help the environment, it also helps the supply chain of raw materials,’ he explains.
By encouraging more people to recycle, the state is hoping to reduce landfills, cut down on litter, and ensure valuable materials are reused rather than wasted.
Aussies and the container deposit scheme: Is 10 cents enough?
Container deposit schemes aren’t new—most states and territories now offer 10 cents for every eligible container returned.
For some, it’s a handy way to make a bit of pocket money or fundraise for local clubs and charities. For others, it’s a small but meaningful step towards a cleaner Australia.
But is 10 cents per container still enough to motivate people? Heidi Tait, CEO of Tangaroa Blue (an organisation dedicated to tackling plastic pollution), thinks it might be time for a rethink.
‘You see [litter] reduce a lot at the beginning of a campaign or scheme like this and then it dwindles a little bit,’ she says.
‘There’s a lot of conversations going on right now about whether 10 cents is enough, and the answer to that is probably no. If you want people to see it as an incentive, you need to make it an incentive and 10 cents is not really that much in this day and age.’
The bigger picture: Why recycling matters
While the lure of a $10,000 prize is undoubtedly appealing, the real winner here is the environment. Every bottle or can you return is one less item ending up in a landfill or polluting our parks, rivers, and beaches.
Recycling also saves energy, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and helps conserve precious resources.
For Australians, many of whom remember the days of glass milk bottles and paper bags, the return of deposit schemes is a nostalgic nod to the past, but with a modern twist.
It’s a simple way to make a difference, and now, perhaps, to win big while you’re at it.
How to get involved
- Check your containers: Not all bottles and cans are eligible, so look for the 10c refund mark.
- Find your nearest refund point: Most suburbs now have at least one, and many are open seven days a week.
- Get your proof: Whether it’s a paper receipt or a digital one, don’t forget to keep it safe for your entry.
- Enter online: Visit the official competition website and follow the prompts.
Tips for maximising your entries
- Team up with friends, family, or neighbours to collect more containers in one go.
- Organise a community cleanup and split the entries (and any winnings!).
- Keep an eye out for containers at local parks, sports grounds, or after community events.
Have your say
Have you tried the container deposit scheme? Do you think 10 cents is enough of an incentive, or should it be increased? And will you be entering the $10,000 recycling lottery? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below—we’d love to hear your stories!
Also read: Throwing away cash? This state is missing out on $100 million in recycling refunds
