Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic) has collected more than 1 billion containers in its first 12 months, saving tonnes of material from landfill and returning $100 million back to the community.
The scheme allows Victorians to return eligible drink containers for a ten-cent refund at over 640 return points across the state. Containers are then processed to make new items, reducing waste and working towards a circular economy.
Since CDS Vic launched on 1 November 2023, charities and community groups have used it to raise more than $950,000 for grassroots activities across the state, and over 590 jobs have been created.
Jim Round, CEO of scheme coordinator VicReturn, is proud of the community’s enthusiasm for recycling in the scheme’s inaugural year and he is confident CDS Vic will make an ongoing impact towards sustainability.
“The journey doesn’t stop here. We are committed to seeing the scheme go from strength to strength over the next 12 months and the years ahead,” Mr Round said.
“Across the state, we are working with community groups like Scouts and major sporting organisations like AFL Victoria and Tennis Victoria to ensure we reach as many Victorians as possible.”
To mark this achievement, Victoria’s youngest environmental champions – primary school students – are sending powerful messages through their ‘Message in a Bottle’ installation at Scienceworks. These messages, written inside 320 recycled bottles, are to remind all Australians of the importance of recycling containers and how it shapes the future of our planet.
The interactive installation is on display until 27 January 2025. Visitors can also bring their own used containers for return at the onsite Reverse Vending Machine in the Scienceworks carpark.
