The Andrews Labor Government’s new container deposit scheme (CDS), set to start in 2023, will maximise the return of used drink cans, bottles and cartons for recycling, and reduce Victoria’s litter by up to half.
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio announced the final design of the scheme, which was supported by 85 per cent of participants during public consultations.
People will be able to return cans, bottles, and cartons at various locations, including shopping centres, drive-through collection depots, and mobile drop-off points at events and community festivals.
Charity, community, and sports groups will also have the option of operating container collection points to raise extra funds.
The scheme will create new economic opportunities and jobs, with responsibilities for running the scheme split between a scheme coordinator and network operators.
This model was chosen following detailed analysis of schemes operating internationally and interstate to make sure Victoria has the best possible CDS.
“The community was seeking the most accessible, best performing CDS for Victoria. In considering the final design, we have ensured that it will provide easy access for all Victorians, encourage greater recovery of waste, and create new employment opportunities,” D’Ambrosio says.
“All charities and community groups can benefit from Victoria’s CDS. The CDS gives charity, community, and sports groups new ways to fundraise, and all Victorians an easy way to earn money, while cleaning up our state.
“Victoria’s CDS will provide a stream of clean recyclable materials for reuse in new products instead of going to landfill or polluting the environment and harming our wildlife.”
Contracts for the roles of Scheme Coordinator and Network Operators will be awarded through an open tender process after the legislation has been approved by Parliament.
The government will also ensure materials collected through the scheme are sold on the broad market to interested parties for remanufacturing in Victoria.
The government will continue to work closely with the beverage and recycling industries, the community, and charity sector as the legislation is developed to make sure that everyone can participate fairly and benefit from the scheme.
Packaging and recycling giant Visy today announced a $35 million upgrade of its Laverton glass recycling centre, in a clear endorsement of the Andrews Government’s new CDS.
”This announcement is a clear win for the environment and a great endorsement of the work we’ve done to boost the circular economy, including our proposed CDS,” D'Ambrosio says.
“Our open and transparent CDS model is one that supports Victorian manufacturing and will mean more green jobs for Victorians in recycling and manufacturing.”
The additional recycled glass will be made into new jars and bottles for Australian food and beverage companies and will be used in asphalt and road base works.
