WITHIN its first day of operation, Victoria\u2019s container deposit scheme processed one million bottles and cans.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s a lot of 10-cent refunds, but users of the scheme\u2019s reverse vending machines in the TOMRA Cleanaway-run west zone can also choose to donate the money to organisations.<\/p>\n
VicReturn CEO Jim Round said he\u2019s encouraging not-for-profits, community groups and schools to sign up to be recipients of the cash.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s a lot of good opportunities for charities and groups, and there are more than 300, like Scouts and the SES, that have already signed up,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve noticed since the launch, a whole bunch more applied. People have been super keen, and the feedback from charities has been really positive, so we\u2019re really happy with the roll-out.<\/p>\n
\u201cOrganisations can head to cdsvic.org.au, and take the steps to become a donation partner which is pretty easy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Round said he\u2019s also aware of charities and community groups who are planning to do their own can and bottle drives, before taking them to a reverse vending machine.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s a really effective way to earn cash,\u201d he said. \u201cSome charities have also signed up with their local zone operator to run a collection point too, which they\u2019ll get paid for doing.\u201d<\/p>\n
McCallum Disability Services and Ballarat Regional Industries are two local disability support organisations running over the counter collection points and depots.<\/p>\n
Eligible not-for-profits need to be a registered charity, or a school, and carry out activities locally. More refund points will become operational within the next nine months.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
WITHIN its first day of operation, Victoria\u2019s container deposit scheme processed one million bottles and cans. That\u2019s a lot of 10-cent refunds, but users of the scheme\u2019s reverse vending machines in the TOMRA Cleanaway-run west zone can also choose to donate the money to organisations. VicReturn CEO Jim Round said he\u2019s encouraging not-for-profits, community groups […]<\/p>\n