Victorian Government CDS will deliver jobs and recycling

The Victorian Waste Management Association (VWMA) has welcomed the Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) announced by Minister D’Ambrosio that will increase recycling, reduce litter and deliver jobs for Victorians.

From today, Victorians are being asked to provide feedback on the proposed model for the CDS, which will be rolled out by 2023 and create hundreds of jobs across the state. The CDS is a ‘cash for cans’ system where empty cans, small bottles and cartons can be dropped off at collection points for a refund.

The CDS will assist Victoria to meet stricter export standards imposed on contamination in recycling by China and several other of our Asian trading partners. Without a CDS to better sort our recycling, Victorians will not be able to keep improving our recycling rates and respect our trading partners.

Importantly, the CDS design proposed by the Victorian Government examines Australia’s existing container deposit programs and improves on them with a nationally leading design.

“Cash for cans and bottles provides a great incentive to do the right thing and dispose of litter correctly for the sake of our environment and the benefit of all Victorians,” said Environment Minister Lily D’Ambrosio.

VWMA CEO Peter Anderson said that the waste recycling industry welcomes the opportunity to work closely with the Victorian Government to build this new recycling program.

“Drink cans and bottles make up almost half of all the litter in Victoria,” Anderson said. “A CDS would significantly reduce this litter and help ensure a clean stream of recyclable materials can be re-used in new products instead of going to landfill or polluting the environment and harming our wildlife.”

“Further, the waste recycling industry welcomes the opportunity to create a diverse range of collection points, including reverse vending machines, drive through depots, over the counter in shops and pop up collection points at events and festivals.”

The CDS design includes a separate scheme co-ordinator and network operator, ensuring transparency and accountability and diverse industry involvement. The introduction of a CDS is part of the Government’s $300 million Recycling Victoria program introducing a new approach to reduce, reuse and recycle our state’s waste. The VWMA is working closely with Government to deliver this future thinking program.