New Ocean Grove container refund point opens

A NEW Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) refund point has been installed at the Ocean Grove Marketplace, marking the 20th installation in the City of Greater Geelong as part of the Victorian government’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic).

TOMRA Cleanaway, the network operator for the CDS Vic West Zone, announced the milestone as part of their ongoing efforts to expand recycling opportunities across the region.

Chief executive officer James Dorney said he was excited to have landed a new CDS Vic refund point in Ocean Grove.

“All containers returned through the TOMRA Cleanaway refund point network pass through technology for audit and verification purposes, which achieves clean, source-separated commodities that support Victoria’s transition to a circular economy,” he said.

Since its launch on November 1, 2023, CDS Vic has enabled Victorians to recycle eligible drink containers, including bottles, cartons, and cans, in exchange for a 10-cent refund per item.

The initiative has already seen significant success, with more than 120 million containers collected in regional zones and 80 million in metropolitan areas, returning more than $20 million to the community.

The community has shown strong support for the scheme, with over 1,000 charities, community groups, and organisations registered as Donation Partners in the CDS Vic West Zone.

Local groups such as Ocean Grove Coast Care, Ocean Grove Evening VIEW Club, and the Lions Club of Ocean Grove Barwon Heads are already benefiting from the initiative, using it to fund various projects and initiatives.

Victorian Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos said the scheme had been impactful.

“It’s incredible to see so many Victorians across the state have embraced CDS Vic – having returned well over 400 million containers in just six months, keeping waste out of landfill and our precious natural environment,” he said.

“We’re making it easier than ever for the local community to recycle, with a new CDS Vic refund point now open in Ocean Grove.”

“We’re completely transforming recycling in Victoria backed by a $515 million investment to deliver the landmark transition to a circular economy, driving progress towards our target of diverting 80 percent of all material away from landfill by 2030.”

The new RVM at Ocean Grove Marketplace, located at 2/20 Kingston Downs Drive, allows users to choose between receiving their refund via a retail cash voucher, direct digital transfer, or as a donation to a nominated charity or community group.

With a planned total of 180 refund points to be installed by August 2024, TOMRA Cleanaway continues to lead efforts in promoting sustainable recycling practices throughout Victoria.