Container deposit scheme gets underway

THE statewide container deposit scheme, or CDS, is now operational, with Ballarat residents able to get ten cents back for every bottle, can, and carton they recycle.

Beer, soft drink, and mixed spirit bottles or cans, and flavoured milk or non-concentrated fruit or vegetable juice cartons, can be inserted into reverse vending machines, or taken to an over-the-counter refund point or bulk depot.

There are local refund points in the city centre, Wendouree, Canadian, Sebastopol and Buninyong.

TOMRA Cleanaway is the contracted operator of the CDS between western Melbourne and the South Australian border, and the waste management business’ CEO James Dorney said their aim is to make drop-offs easy.

“Our machines are quick, convenient, accurate and automated, and are able to be seamlessly integrated into retail and community locations,” he said.

The aim of the initiative is to reduce landfill and litter, create jobs for people with disadvantages, boost the economy, and support charities.

Within a second, reverse vending machines scan and verify containers when deposited, before people are given the option to choose between a retail cash voucher or a charitable donation.

“CDS Vic will maximise the number of cans, bottles and cartons being recycled into new products, while reducing the amount of litter in Victoria by up to half,” said state Minister for Environment, Steve Dimopoulos.

Local CDS refund points are at Eureka Homemaker Centre in Wendouree, McCallum Wendouree on Coronet Street, at Midlands Golf Club, by Big W in Alfred Square, at 8-14 Butt Street in Canadian, Ballarat Regional Industries in Sebastopol, FoodWorks Buninyong, and The Hub in Creswick.

There is a CDS Vic West Zone app which locals can download to get updates on their closest refund point, check if their containers are eligible, manage refunds, or donate them to charity partners.

One hundred and twenty-eight container reverse vending machines and refund points launched on Wednesday throughout TOMRA Cleanaway’s western Victorian zone.

“The scheme will continue to get more and more convenient and rewarding,” Mr Dorney said.

“We’re very excited to be part of Victoria’s new container deposits scheme, and look forward to partnering with local businesses, charities and community groups across the state.”