Turn your containers into conservation and double your impact

Every time you return eligible drink containers through your state’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) you can receive a 10c refund. But did you know you can choose to donate that refund to protect precious ecosystems and wildlife?

This year, thanks to one very generous donor, the first $10,000 donated through Container Deposit Schemes will be matched.

That means your everyday recycling could deliver twice the impact for nature.

We’ve set a 2026 campaign goal of $20,000 and with your help we can reach it together!

How the matching campaign works

Participating is easy

Collect eligible bottles, cans and cartons at home, work or while out and about.
Return them to your nearest CDS refund point (check links below for locations in NSW, QLD, TAS, VIC or WA).
Donate your refund to Bush Heritage Australia when prompted — by selecting Bush Heritage as the payout option in the app for your local scheme. For more information on the scheme in your state or region see the links below.

For every container refund you donate to Bush Heritage, a generous supporter will match it, dollar for dollar, up to $10,000 — doubling the impact of your contribution.

A Spinifex Hopping Mouse is released at Hamelin Reserve.

Why your support matters

While 10c might seem small, it adds up fast when thousands of supporters take part. Every dollar donated helps us protect and restore precious landscapes, safeguard habitat for native wildlife and care for Country across Australia.

And because this appeal runs all year, there’s no better time to start turning your recycling into real conservation impact.

We’ll be updating our campaign tracker here weekly so you can follow how close we are to reaching the $20,000 goal! (including matched funds)

Together, let’s turn small change, into big change.

State-by-state

For more information on how it works, and to find your nearest CDS collection point, see the links below:

Queensland or Western Australia: Containers for Change
New South Wales: Return and Earn
Victoria: Container Deposit Scheme - how to donate
Tasmania Recycle Rewards

If you have any questions about how to donate your refund, please call 1300 628 873 or email [email protected] - we are happy to help!

Protect our planet

Bush Heritage staff member Jonathon Lyford.

Why your donations matter

Every container you return and donate helps Bush Heritage protect and restore Australia's unique landscapes and wildlife. Your contributions, no matter how small, add up to create big changes.

It's a great opportunity to get kids, or grandkids involved. Turn recycling into a fun and educational activity that teaches them about conservation and the importance of protecting the ecosystems that support us.

Together, you can make a significant impact and inspire the next generation of conservationists.

Across the country, our amazing supporters have returned hundreds of thousands of containers, making sure these items are correctly recycled and turning a humble 10c into something much, much bigger!