On the first anniversary of the introduction of Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS), the state is celebrating another major milestone.
One billion containers have been returned through the scheme, reducing litter and putting money back into Victorians’ pockets. The scheme not only benefits the environment but has injected nearly $100 million back into the community, including over $918,000 to charities and community groups through donation partners.
Visy, operator of the CDS Vic North Zone, has established over 245 refund points across the Loddon, Mallee, and Hume regions and the inner north and eastern suburbs of Melbourne.
These return points include Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs), which offer self-service automated returns, Over-the-Counter (OTC) refund points operated by local businesses and community organisations, and Depots, capable of processing larger quantities of containers.
The Yarra Ranges Shire Council has 18 deposit points, with only the Whittlesea and Wodonga LGAs having more. In the Yarra Ranges, 13,204,647 containers have been deposited, consisting of 56 per cent cans, one per cent cartons, 22 per cent glass and 20 per cent plastic. The Powelltown Football Netball Club are the key donation partner for the Yarra Ranges.
Only the Greater Bendigo (28,279,209), aforementioned Whittlesea (27,361,647), neighbouring Knox (23,209,197), Mildura (20,556,825), Greater Shepparton (18,872,380) and Darebin (16,638,665) LGAs have deposited more containers than the Yarra Ranges.
General Manager of CDS at Visy Tim O’Donnell said the success of the scheme proves people care about the environment and love recycling.
“We’re honoured to have worked with local communities and partners to play our part in making CDS VIC the most accessible scheme in Australia.”
The community can find their nearest refund point, and access their electronic refunds, through the CDS Vic North app for iOS or Android.
“Victorians have gone gangbusters for our Container Deposit Scheme – saving one billion containers from landfill, putting $100 million back in their pockets and making it the number one scheme in the country,” Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos said.
“There are lots of things to celebrate on the one year of this scheme that gives back to the community, creates local jobs, teaches kids about recycling and safeguards our environment.”
To find out more about Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme visit www.cdsvic.org.au
