The Australian Open has announced an innovative partnership with the Victorian Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic) for AO 2025.
The initiative aims to reduce waste, promote recycling and support grassroot tennis communities across the state.
Under the partnership, CDS Vic will become the presenting partner of the Australian Open’s recycling hubs and well-known Trash Talkers – a dedicated team who are on-site throughout the tournament to provide information and support fans in correctly disposing of their waste.
The program aims to promote behaviour change by generating awareness of the scheme, ensuring the precinct remains litter-free, and making waste management an engaging experience.
The Australian Open’s waste management and recycling program is extensive and educating fans, players and staff to participate in responsible waste management both at the tennis and at home is an important feature of the program.
In 2024, the AO’s recycling hubs and Trash Talkers helped collect more than 886,192 eligible containers (cans and bottles) to recycle as part of the scheme, which rewards Victorians with a 10-cent refund for every eligible can, carton and bottle they return.
Rebates from containers collected at Australian Open 2025 will be directed towards the Australian Tennis Foundation’s inspirational tennis programs for disadvantaged children and young people, focused in Victoria.
“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.”
CDS Vic CEO, Jim Round, said: “This collaboration at one of the world’s most iconic sporting events is an exciting step to promote environmental responsibility to a global audience – a timely announcement as part of National Recycling Week (November 11-17).
“We’re thrilled to support tennis fans in reducing waste and to see the positive impact these efforts will have on local communities.”
Under the partnership, Tennis Victoria will also host CDS Vic collection points at tennis clubs across the state, encouraging players, spectators, and the community to recycle drink containers while simultaneously raising funds for local tennis programs.
“This collaboration with the Container Deposit Scheme reflects Tennis Victoria’s commitment to environmental leadership,” CEO of Tennis Victoria Kim Kachel said. “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."
Tennis Victoria will work closely with clubs to roll out collection points and engage the community in promoting sustainability through sport.
CDS Vic offers Victorians a 10-cent refund for every eligible drink container returned, providing a practical and impactful way to support both environmental sustainability and community engagement.
Find out more here.