The Container Deposit Scheme rolled out across Victoria on Wednesday and kicked off to an incredible start in Mount Alexander Shire with Chewton Service Station receiving over 2,300 cans, bottles and cartons in the first day!
The scheme, funded by contributions from the beverage industry, rewards Victorians with a 10-cent refund for every eligible can, carton and bottle they return. Participants can then choose to keep or donate the funds to a community donation partner.
Hundreds of refund points have opened up across Victoria including; SP Machinery in Maldon and the independently, locally-run service station in Chewton.
Chewton Service Station owner Julie Leach said they are expecting more than 1000s containers each day.
“I’m really passionate about the scheme,” Julie said.
“Knowing that rubbish will be sorted and recycled properly is fantastic. Plus, community groups can use the scheme to raise much-needed funds and the people recycling their containers are able to nominate different groups or clubs to help.
“Each week we will nominate a different community group to benefit from the funds from additional containers we recycle. This week Jirrahlinga Dingo Conservation & Wildlife Education Centre has been chosen.”
With more than three billion drink containers used by Victorians every year, most ending up as landfill and litter, the scheme will form an important way to transform the state’s waste and recycling system, diverting 80 per cent of material from landfill by 2030.
So, how do you go about using the scheme?
1. Download the app called ‘CDS Vic North’ and set up an account – this will enable refunds to be transferred within minutes.
2. Gather your aluminum, glass (no wine or spirits), plastic, steel and paper cartons (prima, milk cartons etc) with a 10c mark on the back. Sort them into four groups – plastic bottles, aluminum, glass and cartons. Keep the lids on and don’t crush containers.
3. Head down to the service station in Chewton or SP Machinery in Maldon and hey presto your cans turn into cash!
If any community groups or clubs are interested in taking part visit cdsvic.org.au to register your interest.
