Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) means people can now return eligible drink cans, bottles, and cartons for a 10-cent refund.
Reverse vending machines, depots, over-the-counter sites, and pop-up refund points will be the four ways people can return their eligible containers, where the used drink containers will be turned into new, recycled products.
Steve Dimopoulos, Minister for Environment, said CDS Vic will maximise the number of cans, bottles, and cartons being recycled into new products and keep them out of landfill.
“Our new Container Deposit Scheme is now open, which will reduce the amount of litter in Victoria by up to half – contributing to a more sustainable future, while putting money back in the pockets of hardworking Victorians.”
VicReturn is the Scheme Coordinator, while Zone Operators Return-It, TOMRA Cleanaway, and Visy will establish and oversee the refund points and refunds to customers, as well as ensuring proper recycling of the containers.
VicReturn is a not-for-profit entity with members comprising Lion, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP), and Asahi Beverages.
Orlando Rodriguez, Managing Director of Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Australia, said they recognise the impact of plastic on the environment and the need for the beverage industry to take responsibility for the life of its products.
“We know container deposit schemes offer a highly effective solution to plastic recycling, compared to kerbside recycling, and we are excited to now have national mainland coverage of schemes with the introduction of the Victorian scheme.”
Within nine months of the scheme starting, the Zone Operators will be required to have a minimum of one collection point per 14,500 people in metropolitan areas, at least one per town of 750 people in regional areas, and at least one per town of 350 people in remote areas.
Tetra Pak, a leader in packaging solutions, also welcomes the introduction of the scheme and believes in the importance of fostering Australia’s circular economy.
“As the packaging partner behind some of Australia’s most loved beverage brands, we are thrilled by the commencement of this important scheme for the community here in Victoria,” said Boris Munster, Managing Director of Tetra Pak Oceania.
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