♻️ Turning Recycling into Real Impact: Our ReCollect Partnership
We’re always looking for simple, meaningful ways to support both our school and the environment, and this is one of those opportunities that does both. The Mount Rogers Primary School P&C has partnered with ReCollect as part of the Container Deposit Scheme (CDS), making it easier than ever for our community to recycle eligible bottles and cans while raising funds for the school. Every eligible container returned through the scheme generates a refund, with a portion going directly back to the P&C. It’s a small action, but when done collectively, it adds up quickly.
♻️ What is the Container Deposit Scheme?
The Container Deposit Scheme is a government initiative that places a 10-cent refund on eligible drink containers. When those containers are returned for recycling, that refund can either be claimed or donated.
It’s designed to reduce litter, increase recycling rates, and encourage people of all ages to think more consciously about waste. It’s also one of the easiest ways to turn everyday habits into something that benefits the wider community.
🌏 Why it matters
Australians use billions of drink containers each year, and despite good intentions, many still end up in landfill or as litter. Container deposit schemes have proven to be one of the most effective ways to improve recycling rates, reduce waste, and keep our shared spaces cleaner.
For our school community, it’s also a powerful way to model sustainable habits for our kids—showing them that everyday choices can have a real impact.
🥤 What containers are eligible?
Most empty drink containers between 150ml and 3L are eligible, including:
Aluminium cans (soft drink, energy drinks, etc.)
Plastic bottles (water, juice, soft drink)
Glass bottles (beer, some juices)
Cartons (some juice and flavoured milk)
A quick rule of thumb: if it’s a drink container and has a “10c refund” marking, it’s good to go.
A few things that don’t count:
Plain milk bottles
Wine and spirit bottles
Cordial bottles
There’s no need to wash containers—just make sure they’re empty and the lids are off.
Check out the CDS eligibility guide for more details.
💚 Supporting our school, together
Funds raised through ReCollect are reinvested back into the school through P&C initiatives—supporting events, resources, and projects that benefit our students. It’s a simple, ongoing way for families to contribute, without needing to give extra time or money.
🧺 How to get involved
There are a few easy ways to participate, depending on what works best for you:
If you’d prefer convenience, you can book a home pickup through ReCollect using this Mount Rogers P&C referral link. Your containers will be collected and processed for you—no trip to a depot required.
If you’re already at school, you can drop your eligible bottles and cans into the collection bags located on the wall in the outdoor foyer between the office and the basketball court. You’ll find three black bags set up and ready to go.
For those with larger amounts, you’re welcome to bring bulk donations along to SEED garden days during the harvest months—an easy way to contribute while being part of the garden community.
We’re also working towards enabling donations at CDS drop-off points. Once we meet the required threshold, the P&C will be listed as a donation option at depots, making it even easier to contribute. We’ll share an update as soon as that’s live.
🌱 Small actions, big impact
Whether it’s a single bottle or a full bag, every container makes a difference. This is one of those initiatives where the barrier to entry is low, but the collective impact is huge—for our environment, our school, and the habits we’re helping shape in our children.
Thanks for being part of it 💚