Depositing versus dumping

By Tina Seirlis

Contrary to the container deposit scheme’s purpose of reducing litter, a refund point in Bacchus Marsh has sadly resulted in the opposite.

Two neighbouring businesses voiced concern via social media, taking to task those who have attended the site for refunds, yet have discarded boxes and non-compliant bottles within public space at Gell Street car park.

The impact on the charitable Bacchus Marsh Hospital Op Shop has been disheartening.

The store has discovered glass bottles, crushed cans and containers dumped within their nearby donation bins, in addition to cardboard and beer boxes disposed of within their private skip.

Sarah Tollis, President of the Bacchus Marsh Ladies Auxiliary which runs the not-for-profit Hospital Op Shop said they think it (the container deposit scheme) is a great incentive, but it seems there was not enough thought about what happens to the discarded cans.

“We would hope to see a future provision for disposal of rejected cans, bottles, etc and the possibility of a relocation to a more suitable area in the car park,” she said.

Ms Tollis said the placement of the facility was not ideal.

“When the recycle truck arrives to empty the refund point, it blocks several additional car spaces.

“Ideally, signage and possibly security cameras may be a deterrent.”

Ms Tollis said she has reported the issue to Moorabool Shire Council only to be advised they were not responsible and to redirect the matter to State Government.

Council CEO Derek Madden said the Gell Street car park is partially owned by Council and partially privately owned by Foodworks.

“The part of the car park that the refund point facility sits, is within the privately owned Foodworks’ land,” Mr Madden told the Moorabool News.

“If the rubbish can be confidently pinpointed to the refund point, then it would be the operator of the facility who will be responsible. If not, Council will collect the rubbish as we’ve always done,” he said.

TOMRA Cleanaway, the company responsible for the container deposit scheme across Victoria’s western region were also contacted.

The spokesperson recommended customers who are dissatisfied with site presentation “should contact TOMRA Cleanaway on 1800 237 842”.

Foodworks Bacchus Marsh also took to social media to share concerns about litter.

Spokesperson Chrissy Button told the Moorabool News the recent influx of litter does appear to be directly related to the refund point.

“Much of the dumped rubbish consists of empty boxes and bags that people have used to transport containers within,” she said.

Ms Button said over 40,000 containers have been deposited in the unit so far, suggesting the majority of people are doing the right thing.

“Unfortunately it only takes a few to turn a space into an unsightly mess by dumping rubbish,” she said.

“Obviously, the scheme has been designed to get people thinking and active about recycling – dumping rubbish undermines all the good work.”