New partnership between Sports Environment Alliance and Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme drives sustainability

Sports Environment Alliance has entered into a new partnership with Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic) with the collaboration aimed at encouraging more sporting clubs, stadiums, and facilities across the state to participate in the scheme, reducing waste and promoting a circular economy in sport.

As part of the agreement, CDS Vic will also play a role in the upcoming Sports Environment Alliance (SEA) Summit, further highlighting the importance of sustainable practices in sport and the opportunities available through the container deposit scheme.

The SEA Summit 2025, to be held on 14th May 2025, will bring together leaders from the sport and sustainability sectors to discuss and drive actionable change. The event will showcase innovative solutions, industry insights, and best practices to ensure sport plays a key role in protecting our environment.

SEA Chief Executive Adam Cheyne welcomed the partnership noting “Sport has a unique opportunity to lead by example when it comes to sustainability. By working with Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme, we can help more clubs and venues tap into the benefits of the container deposit scheme, ensuring that recyclable materials are given a second life while supporting grassroots sport.” 

Jim Round, Chief Executive of scheme coordinator Vic Return enthused “Sport has the power to unite communities, and through this partnership with the Sports Environment Alliance, we’re making sustainability a key part of that connection.

“We’ve already seen fantastic participation from local sports clubs in Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme, and we’re excited to work even more closely with the sports industry—facility managers, sporting administrators, and decision-makers—to embed recycling and sustainability into the heart of Australian sport. By making small changes at clubs and stadiums, we can create lasting environmental benefits on a larger scale.”

Through this collaboration, SEA and Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme aim to inspire the sporting community to take meaningful action towards sustainability, ensuring that Victoria’s sporting spaces contribute to a cleaner, greener future.

For more information on CDS Vic and Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme, visit cdsvic.org.au/fundraising