News article
‘Be a sport & sort’ – Australian Open teams up with Victorian Container Deposit Scheme
The Australian Open has partnered with the Victorian Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic) for 2025, with the aim of reducing waste, promoting recycling and supporting grassroots tennis communities across the state.
CDS Vic will become the presenting partner of the Australian Open’s recycling hubs and ‘Trash Talkers’ – a dedicated team that are onsite during the tennis tournament to provide information and support fans in correctly disposing of their waste.
The programme’s goal is to inspire a change in behaviour around recycling by generating awareness of the scheme, while making the process more engaging.
In 2024, the Australian Open’s recycling hubs and Trash Talkers helped to collect more than 886,192 eligible containers (cans and bottles) to recycle as part of the scheme. As a reward for each deposit, users are eligible for a 10 cent refund.
Rebates from containers collected at the 2025 edition of the event will be directed towards the Australian Tennis Foundation’s programmes for disadvantaged children and young people.
“We’re delighted to partner with the Victorian Government’s Container Deposit Scheme. Their support will help us to expand our recycling and waste management program and on-site interactions with fans,” Tennis Australia’s Director of Sustainability Matthew Nicholas said.
“Partnering with the CDS presents a fantastic alignment with our commitment to waste reduction and education, while the rebates received will help to further the important and inspirational work of the Australian Tennis Foundation.”
“Partnering with the CDS presents a fantastic alignment with our commitment to waste reduction and education, while the rebates received will help to further the important and inspirational work of the Australian Tennis Foundation.”
The partnership will also see Tennis Victoria host CDS Vic collection points at tennis clubs across the state to encourage players and spectators to recycle containers, while also raising money for local tennis programmes.
“This collaboration with the Container Deposit Scheme reflects Tennis Victoria’s commitment to environmental leadership,” Chief Executive of Tennis Victoria Kim Kachel commented.
“By making recycling accessible at our clubs and events, we’re fostering a culture of sustainability within the tennis community. The funds raised will also go a long way in supporting grassroots programs, making this partnership a win-win for both the environment and tennis in Victoria.”
Image: Wikimedia Commons