Consultation cracks open on container deposit scheme

THE Victorian Government plans to introduce a container deposit scheme (CDS) within three years, and is encouraging the community to share their views about how it might work.

The scheme aims to increase beverage container recycling and reduce litter in Victoria.

It works by by applying a small deposit to beverages sold to consumers, which covers the cost of recycling. When the empty beverage containers – such as those in plastic, glass bottles and aluminium cans – are returned to a refund collection point, a cash refund (typically 10 cents) can be collected for each container.

Drink cans and bottles are estimated to make up almost half of all the litter in Victoria, and a CDS will help reduce this litter and its impacts on local wildlife and reduce clean-up costs for councils.

The scheme – to be introduced in 2022 or 2023 – is predicted to create hundreds of new jobs in Victoria in collection centres, in transport and logistics, and through support services such as technology management, community education, auditing and reporting. Similar schemes in Queensland and New South Wales have created between 600 and 700 jobs.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio said the plan to introduce a CDS was part of the Victorian Government’s $300 million Recycling Victoria policy.

Community organisations, charities and small businesses will have options for getting involved in the Victorian scheme, including operating refund collection points and fundraising opportunities.

The CDS network will include a variety of collection points such as automated reverse vending machines in public places, drive-through depots, pop-up collection points at events and community festivals, and over the counter at local shops.

Consultation on the scheme opened earlier this month and closes on November 30.

“We want to help communities look after our local environment by being better equipped to tackle litter and increase recycling and now they have the chance to help shape how it works,” South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman said.

“Victoria’s container deposit scheme will be an exciting opportunity for all Victorians to play a role in improving recycling, cutting waste and tackling litter and importantly, it’ll create jobs across the state.”

The Boomerang Alliance – made up of 52 environment groups – welcomed the scheme. Alliance director Jeff Angel said the proposed “split governance” model was the right one.

“The government’s preferred approach encourages the beverage companies to be accountable for the pollution they produce, and also creates an independent operator whose focus is on maximising refund points so we can get the best of both worlds, with good engagement of drink companies and a clear focus on collecting as many used bottles and can as possible.”

For more information, including a discussion paper and surveys, head to engage.vic.gov.au/container-deposit-scheme.