Environment Minister Ingrid Stitt announced on Friday the start date for ‘CDS Vic’ and named the organisations that would be responsible for delivering the scheme.
“Victoria’s container deposit scheme will maximise the number of cans, bottles and cartons being recycled into new products, put extra cash in Victorian pockets and will reduce the amount of litter in our environment by half,” Ms Stitt said.
“CDS Vic will be Australia’s most accessible and convenient container deposit scheme, with more than 600 refund collection points across the state.”
VicReturn will be the scheme’s co-ordinator and Visy, TOMRA Cleanaway and Return-It will be network operators.
Visy will be responsible for the Campaspe Shire, with the industry giant covering the northern half of the state, stretching from Mildura to Wodonga.
CDS Vic will allow Victorians to return their used drink cans, bottles and cartons for a 10c refund.
The state government said the scheme would reduce Victoria’s litter by up to half, create new economic opportunities, generate 645 jobs and turn drink containers into new recycled products.
CDS Vic also offers Victorian charities, community groups, environmental groups, sporting clubs and educational organisations new ways to raise funds.
These groups and organisations will be able to receive container donations from the community, run a refund collection point or host a container collection drive.
This will encourage more community participation and education around recycling while ensuring households, local clubs and groups can share in the cash benefits of recycling their used cans, bottles and cartons.
The network operators will establish and maintain a network of more than 600 refund collection points across the state, making the scheme accessible to all Victorians.
Within 12 months of the scheme starting, the network operators will be required to have a minimum of one collection point per 14,500 people in metropolitan areas, at least one per town of 750 people in regional areas, and at least one per town of 350 people in remote areas.
More information can be found at vic.gov.au/container-deposit-scheme
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