Has CDS scheme forgotten the Shire?

ONE hundred and twenty-eight reverse vending machines and refund points launched last week under the Victorian container deposit scheme, or CDS, west zone, but only one is in the Golden Plains Shire.

Although Bannockburn is the local government area’s largest town with a population of almost six-and-a-half-thousand people at the 2021 Census, the region’s only reverse vending machine has been installed at Teesdale General Store.

Jim Round is head of the State Government not-for-profit established to oversee the CDS, known as VicReturn.

He said more than 600 refund points will become operational across Victoria by August next year.

Although not all towns in Golden Plains Shire will get their own refund point, Mr Round said he expects the municipality will become home to more CDS sites within the next 12 months.

“For additional return points, TOMRA Cleanaway will be looking at convenience and accessibility, but they’ve also got some obligations, and these kick in when the scheme is fully up-and-running,” Mr Round said.

“There will need to be a minimum of one collection point… per town of 750 people in regional areas, and one per town of 350 people in remote areas.

“That gives a sense for what the obligations are for the Golden Plains Shire being a regional area. TOMRA Cleanaway will make a call based on where people are.”

For those a fair distance away from the current refund points, Mr Round encourages them to save up their bottles, cans, and containers to drop off in one go when it’s convenient for them, or to continue using their recycling bin.

He said TOMRA Cleanaway, as zone operator, will welcome any community feedback from those who would like a reverse vending machine in their town.