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CDS Challenge
Make money for your Group with CDS
Turn trash into treasure with the Scouts Victoria Container Deposit Scheme (CDS)! This eco-friendly fundraiser teaches Scouts the importance of recycling while raising money for their Group. By collecting eligible containers, Scouts can protect the planet and support their next big adventure.
Before you begin
- Don’t forget to make sure all young people and adults involved in the activity know how to take part safely
- Make sure you’ll have enough adult helpers. You may need some parents and carers to help if you’re short on helpers
What you'll need
- Large bag
- Recycled cans and bottles
What is the CDS
The Scouts Victoria Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) is an exciting initiative that helps Scouts contribute to environmental conservation while raising funds for their Group.
By collecting eligible cans and bottles and depositing them at a recycling depot, Scouts can earn money to support activities like attending a Jamboree or upgrading their Scout Hall.
What are the benefits?
Environmental Impact
Reduce waste and protect the planet
Fundraising
Earn money for your Scout Group
Teamwork
Encourage Patrols to work together toward a common goal.
Plan your fundraising
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Decide what the funds will support for your Group (e.g. jamboree fees, new equipment, or hall upgrades).
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Set a target number of containers for Patrols to collect.
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Promote the campaign in your community. Share details with friends, family, and local businesses to maximize donations.
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Use posters, social media, and word of mouth to encourage people to contribute their eligible containers.
Set Patrol Challenges
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Make it a competition to see which Patrol can recycle the most.
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Designate Scouts to collect, sort, and transport the containers to their nearest depot.
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Set up container drop-off spots at the Scout Hall, local schools, or community centers
Start collecting
- Explain what containers are eligible for refunds (check the Scouts Victoria CDS guidelines).
- Teach Scouts how to rinse and prepare containers to meet depot requirements.
- Emphasise safety when handling containers—wear gloves and avoid sharp edges.
- Use separate bags or bins for different materials (e.g. glass, aluminum, plastic).
- Keep a record of how many containers each Patrol collects.
- Take the collected containers to the nearest CDS depot.
- Designate a Leader or Patrol to handle the refund process.
- Record the total refunds received.
- At the end of your fundraiser, reward the Patrol that recycles the most containers. Suggestions include:
- A certificate or trophy.
- A small prize, such as a pizza party or special Scout badge.
- Celebrate everyone’s contributions with a Group activity or fun day.
Change the challenge level
- Partner with local businesses or schools for long-term container collection.
- Encourage community members to donate their eligible containers to your Scouts.
- Use some funds to educate the Group about environmental sustainability.
- Plan additional eco-friendly initiatives, such as tree planting or clean-up days.
Reflection
By participating in the Scouts Victoria Container Deposit Scheme, Scouts take on a leadership role in sustainability while funding their adventures.
It’s an activity that benefits the environment, the community, and your Scout Group.
- What did you learn about recycling and helping to reduce waste and care for the planet?
- What did you learn about waste management and recycling?
- How did you work as a team to achieve your recycling goal?
