15 January 2026 | Tennis Victoria

As the Australian Open serves up another summer of world-class tennis, community clubs across Melbourne are proving that recycling can be a winner on and off the court.

Two suburban tennis clubs have raised almost $1,400 combined, through Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic), turning empty drink containers into vital funds for club upgrades, while reducing litter. East Ringwood Tennis Club and Parkdale Tennis Club are showing how grassroots sport can benefit from the scheme, earning 10 cents for every eligible bottle and can returned – which is quickly adding up.

East Ringwood Tennis Club has become an unofficial local collection hub, encouraging members and the wider community to bring containers directly to the clubhouse. Large collection bins at the club entrance are filled during social tennis nights, embedding recycling into regular club activities rather than relying on one-off fundraising drives.

The approach has already raised more than $900, which has been invested in new net banners, with funds now being saved towards new bench seating and a table tennis table for the clubhouse. Success has come from keeping things simple, said club Secretary Ben Isbester.

“We’re not a polished operation – it’s just bins, signage and clear communication. But everyone feels ownership of it and that’s made all the difference,” he said.

Taking a similar approach, Parkdale Tennis Club’s CDS Vic fundraising has been used to close the loop on sustainability. The club has raised close to $500 through container returns, using the funds to purchase durable recycled plastic seating, replacing worn-out seating around the courts.

As the club’s Digital Co-ordinator, Carolyn Watters promotes the CDS program through social media and the club website, encouraging member participation and delivering benefits for both the club and the environment. She said the scheme helps offset costs the club would normally need to budget for separately.

“For smaller clubs like ours, that makes a real difference,” Ms Watters said. “The bonus is that members can actually see where their containers have gone.”

Both clubs say their experiences show the scheme is accessible and worthwhile for community sport, regardless of size. By integrating container collection into existing routines and encouraging community participation, clubs can build steady fundraising streams while supporting Victoria’s circular economy.

With thousands of local tennis players inspired by the Australian Open each summer, Tennis Victoria and CDS Vic are encouraging more clubs to get involved in the scheme.

“CDS Vic gives clubs a simple way to raise much needed funds and reduce waste,” said Matt Davis, CEO of VicReturn (scheme coordinator). “It’s a win for the community and a win for the environment.”

“Community and not-for-profit groups across the state have already raised close to $3 million through CDS Vic.”

Visit cdsvic.org.au to learn more and find your nearest refund point.