Victoria’s container refund scheme now offers safe, legal bins to prevent risky waste picking.

Since Victoria’s 2023 container deposit scheme launched, some residents, including those facing financial or mental health challenges, have collected refundable cans and bottles from bins for income. While the practice provides a lifeline for some, authorities warn against unauthorized bin fossicking, especially in commercial skips, as it may violate local rules and lead to fines. To offer a safer, legal alternative, the scheme is partnering with councils to install external container baskets at bins, enabling safe, organized collection without disturbing waste streams.