BASS Coast, South Gippsland and Victorian residents generally have enthusiastically embraced Victoria’s new Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic), returning well over two million containers and collecting more than $200,000 in refunds in its first two days of operation.
And it seems that a lot of those cans and bottles arrived at one of two official Collection Point Depots in Cowes and Wonthaggi.
“We started a bit slowly on Wednesday (November 1) as people got the message about where we were and that we were open. The advert and article in the paper helped with word of mouth,” said one of the owner/operators of Can Collect in Wonthaggi and Cowes, Will Hams.
“But as those people told five other people, we started to build momentum over the next few days to the point now where we’ve filled both those bins,” he said waving in the direction of two massive skip bins, bigger than the biggest shipping container.
“We’ve had quite a few bulk deliveries, which is good, but we’re starting to see some of the local clubs and individuals coming as well which is great.
“As opposed to a local RVM (reverse vending machine), we can accept aluminium cans that have been crushed and we pay cash for can and bottle returns on the spot.”
You’ll find the local depots at:
• Wonthaggi, 36 Inverloch Road, Wonthaggi (open 8.30am-4.30pm Mon-Fri and 9am-3pm Sat-Sun)
• Phillip Island, 14 Harvey Drive, Cowes (open 8.30am-4.30pm Mon-Fri and 9am-3pm Sat-Sun)
“One of the really pleasing things is we’ve had quite a few young entrepreneurs coming in, getting themselves organised collecting from friends and putting out their own little leaflets,” said Will.
“Good on them for having a go.”
As well as his Can Collect partners Lukas Webb and Brad Olsson, Will has his mum Karen helping out.
“It’s really a feel-good thing to do. You’re bringing in your recycle waste of aluminium cans and bottles, making a bit of cash or making a donation to one of the registered local charities, and you know the cans and bottles are going back in to the system, instead of to landfill,” said Karen.
“In fact, the cans are being recycled and they’re back as new cans in four weeks,” said Will.
“We want the bottles unbroken and they’re converted into new products quickly as well.”
Cans and bottles that generate the 10c deposit return include all your typical aluminium drink cans and, typically ‘stubby’ style beer bottles, also including the likes of spirit mixes, cruisers and the like.
“We can’t take big spirit bottles or wine bottles but these can be recycled in your recycle bin.
“But, yes, it’s going well.
“We’d like to see a few more people finding us on Phillip Island, at the Cowes depot but that will come,” said Will.
Team member at Phillip Island, Mitch Moschetti agrees.
“We’ve had some good bulk deliveries but we’re looking to make contact with clubs and event organisers as well, and we’re encouraging the locals to come along to the Cowes’ depot as well, at 14 Harvey Drive.
Karen Hams would like to see more local clubs and organisations registering as charities on the CDS Vic East app.
“We’ve got the likes of the Inverloch Football Netball Club, Inverloch and Wonthaggi bowls clubs, Inverloch RSL and we’ve made contact with Dalyston FNC and Wonthaggi Power so we’d expect them to come on board to.
“Simply download the app and join up and start asking your members and supporters to direct the proceeds your way.
“It makes it really worthwhile to be dropping off even smaller quantities.”
CDS Vic officially began last Wednesday, with Victorians now able to receive a 10-cent refund for eligible drink containers returned at hundreds of refund points across the state.
VicReturn, a not-for--profit agency funded by the beverage industry, is proud to play a leading role in the rollout of CDS Vic, as the scheme co-ordinator appointed by the Victorian Government.
CEO Jim Round said VicReturn is working closely with the scheme’s three zone operators – Tomra Cleanaway in Victoria’s western region, Visy in the north and Return-It in the east – to help build a scheme easily accessible to all Victorians.
“It's great we are already seeing so many Victorians get behind this scheme and return their containers, Mr Round said.
“Recycling Victoria, VicReturn and our network partners are building CDS Vic from the ground up, with hundreds of refund points now open and more coming online in coming weeks.
“Once fully rolled out, Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme will be the most accessible and convenient in Australia.”
To ensure the scheme’s accessibility, there is a mix of refund points available all over the state, including reverse vending machines, depots, over-the-counter refund points, and pop-ups to cater for one-off events such as music festivals and large sporting events.
“The mix of refund points will make it easier than ever for Victorians to recycle containers, to keep them from ending up in our streets, parks and waterways.
“Container refunds can be kept by individuals or donated to Victorian charities, schools, sporting and community groups that have registered with the scheme, so I would like to encourage all community groups to register, as this is a great new way to raise funds.
“As scheme coordinator, we’re working hard to build a scheme that is trusted and trustworthy,” he said.
“We will help make sure every container received by the scheme is recycled and help make Victoria a leader in the circular economy.”
To check which containers are eligible for the 10-cent refund, or to find your closest refund point, go to cdsvic.org.au
About CDS Vic
Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme is a new recycling initiative offering a 10-cent refund for each eligible drink container returned. Launched on November 1, hundreds of refund points are emerging across Victoria. CDS Vic is part of the Victorian Government's $515 million investment to transform the state's waste and recycling sector.
Funded by contributions from the beverage industry, the scheme will contribute to Victoria's target of diverting 80 percent of all material away from landfill by 2030 and represents a significant milestone in our journey towards a circular economy.
About VicReturn
VicReturn is the scheme coordinator appointed to oversee CDS Vic.
“We work with the government and partners to play a key role in transforming Victoria’s waste and recycling system. We’re motivated to help keep beverage containers out of landfills, creating clean streams of recycled materials to help build a circular economy in Victoria. VicReturn is supported by its members Lion, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, and Asahi Beverages, who each have significant experience in managing container deposit schemes across Australia.”
