At St John Ambulance Victoria, our mission has always been to equip communities with life-saving skills and emergency response capabilities. Now, thanks to an exciting new partnership with TOMRA Cleanaway, Victorians can support our vital work in a simple, sustainable, and impactful way - through recycling.

A Partnership for the Planet and the Community

Earlier last week, St John Ambulance Victoria was announced as the official charity partner for TOMRA Cleanaway’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic) in the West Zone. This means that every eligible can and bottle recycled at a TOMRA Cleanaway Reverse Vending Machine can be donated directly to St John, with 10 cents per container helping us train, equip, and prepare our teams to respond when emergencies strike.

This partnership is a win-win: it encourages Victorians to recycle and care for the environment while providing direct financial support to a charity dedicated to saving lives.

"We are incredibly proud and excited to partner with TOMRA, to offer Victorians a simple, yet impactful way to support St John Ambulance. Through the CDS, every recycled can and bottle has the potential to help save a life when its refund is donated to St John. Our vital work in first aid, emergency response, and community education helps the public become more resilient in the face of life-threatening emergencies. This partnership is a fantastic example of how small, everyday actions can create meaningful change, and we look forward to seeing Victorians embrace this opportunity to give back while caring for the environment." Says Gordon Botwright, St John Ambulance Victoria CEO.

Small Acts, Big Impact

Every can and bottle you recycle might seem like a small gesture, but collectively, these donations have the power to make a huge difference. By choosing to donate your container refunds to St John, you’re helping us provide lifesaving first aid services, emergency response support, and essential community education.

Imagine this: a single container might seem insignificant, but a few hundred bottles donated by a community could help fund first aid training for primary school students, support volunteers with their uniforms and first aid supplies, and train the community in CPR. It’s proof that everyday actions, like recycling, can drive real change.

“This partnership is a perfect example of how the CDS Vic program can create meaningful community impact. By simply returning containers, Victorians can contribute to a healthier environment while also supporting an organisation that provides lifesaving care.” Says James Dorney, TOMRA Cleanaway CEO

How You Can Get Involved

Supporting St John Ambulance Victoria through CDS Vic is easy and accessible for everyone in the West Zone:

1. Recycle your eligible drink containers at a TOMRA Cleanaway Reverse Vending Machine.
2. Donate your 10-cent refund directly to St John Victoria from the machine’s screen or via the CDS Vic West app.
3. Spread the word! Encourage your friends, family, and colleagues to get involved. The more people who participate, the greater the impact.

Not in the West Zone? You Can Still Help!

Even if you’re outside the West Zone, you can still participate! Locate your nearest collection point through CDS Vic and donate your 10-cent refunds to St John Victoria between February 10 and May 11, 2025.

Find Your Nearest Collection Point: CDS Vic West Zone Live Map - TOMRA Cleanaway

Join Us in Turning Recycling into Life-Saving Action

This partnership shows how small, everyday actions can create meaningful change. By simply recycling, you can help save lives and contribute to a healthier, safer, and more sustainable Victoria.

Got questions? Reach out to us at fundraising@stjohnvic.com.au

Thank you for being part of this incredible initiative: together, we can make every can and bottle count!