Container deposit scheme gets underway

THE statewide container deposit scheme, or CDS, is now operational, with Heathcote residents able to get ten cents back for every bottle, can, and carton they recycle.

Beer, soft drink, and mixed spirit bottles or cans, and flavoured milk or non-concentrated fruit or vegetable juice cartons, can be inserted into reverse vending machines, or taken to an over-the-counter refund point or bulk depot.

The aim of the initiative is to reduce landfill and litter, create jobs for people with disadvantages, boost the economy, and support charities.

In the Heathcote region, there are refund points in town, at Tallarook, Seymour, Avenel, and Bendigo East.

“CDS Vic will maximise the number of cans, bottles and cartons being recycled into new products, while reducing the amount of litter in Victoria by up to half,” said state Minister for Environment, Steve Dimopoulos.

Within a second, reverse vending machines scan and verify containers when deposited, before people are given the option to choose between a retail cash voucher or a charitable donation.

Visy is the waste management business which has been contracted as the operator of the CDS north zone between northern Melbourne and the New South Wales border.

“We want the community to make their containers count,” said Visy general manager of container deposit schemes, Tim O’Donnell.

“We’re ready to start rewarding Victorians across our network of reverse vending machines, over-the-counter refund points and collection depots.

“We know Victorians are passionate about recycling, so we’re pleased to support another way for them to recycle, reducing litter and helping the environment.”

There is a CDS Vic North Zone app which locals can download to get updates on their closest refund point, check if their containers are eligible, manage refunds, or donate them to charity partners.

Local CDS refund points are at Top Dog Liquor Heathcote, the Tallarook Hotel, J&J Equipment Hire in Seymour, the Avenel Café, and Envirobank East Bendigo.