General News
5 November, 2023
Reduce, refund, recycle
Local residents can now collect and deposit certain types of bottles, cans and cartons for a 10c refund per container, with the November 1 launch of Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic). CDS Vic is part of the Victorian Government’s...
Local residents can now collect and deposit certain types of bottles, cans and cartons for a 10c refund per container, with the November 1 launch of Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic).
CDS Vic is part of the Victorian Government’s $515 million transformation of the state’s waste and recycling sector, which aims to divert 80 per cent of all material away from landfill by 2030.
Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) have been popping up across the region, installed by TOMRA Cleanaway, who has been contracted by the state government as Network Operator for the West Zone.
TOMRA Cleanaway chief executive James Dorney said he was excited to install the CDS Vic refund points, which will allow locals to conveniently drop off their eligible drink containers for recycling.
“We’re very excited to be part of Victoria’s new container deposit scheme, and look forward to partnering with local businesses, charities and community groups,” Mr Dorney said.
“Our machines are quick, convenient, accurate and automated, and are able to be seamlessly integrated into retail and community locations.”
The RVMs will scan and verify each container as it’s deposited, then provide options to either receive the refund amount as a retail cash voucher, directly into a bank account, or donate it to a nominated charity or community group.
Users can also download the CDS Vic West Zone app to check if their containers are eligible for refund, and locate their local refund point.
South Australia was the first state to launch the scheme in 1977, followed by Northern Territory in 2011, New South Wales in 2017, Queensland and ACT in 2018, and Western Australia in 2020.
Pioneers of the scheme, the South Australian Environment Protection Authority (EPA) reported a 76 per cent return rate on beverage containers last year (40,000 tonnes), and a return of nearly $60 million to the community.