CDS marks one year anniversary

VICTORIA’S Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) has marked its first 12 months of operation with more than 1 billion drink containers saved from landfill.

The scheme, which launched on November 1 last year, offers a 10-cent refund at designated deposit points for eligible drink containers, which are then recycled into new bottles or other products.

The CDS aims to reduce litter across the state by up to 50 per cent, and it is estimated in the last 12 months, one-third of drink containers used in Victoria have been recycled through the scheme.

Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos said Victorians had “gone gangbusters” for CDS, making it the “number one scheme in the country”.

“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,” he said.

The scheme is coordinated by VicReturn and has seen more than $100 million in rewards returned to the community, including more than $950,000 raised for charities and grassroots activities.

Across Greater Geelong almost 54 million cans, bottles and cartons have been deposited at the region’s collection points over the past 12 months, equating to a financial return of almost $55 million.

On the Surf Coast, more than four million drink have been returned, generating about $400,000 in rewards, while in Queenscliff, almost 60,000 eligible containers have been recycled through the scheme, returning about $6,000 in rewards to the community.

Statewide, Victorians are recycling on average 145 containers per return.

The biggest week of returns was recorded the week following the AFL Grand Final, with more than 26 million drink containers deposited across the state’s CDS collection points.

VicReturn chief executive officer Jim Round praised the community’s enthusiasm for the CDS and said he was confident the scheme will make an ongoing impact toward sustainability.

“We are committed to seeing the scheme go from strength to strength over the next 12 months and the years ahead,” he said.

“Across the state, we are working with community groups like Scouts and major sporting organisations like AFL Victoria and Tennis Victoria to ensure we reach as many Victorians as possible.”