Victorians are being asked to provide feedback on the proposed model for the state’s container deposit scheme (CDS), which will be rolled out by 2023.
Under the proposed model, there would be split responsibility for the operation and governance.
Energy, Environment and Climate Change Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said this design maximises the number of bottles collected at the lowest cost for scheme delivery, as well as ensuring strong transparency and accountability.
The CDS network would include a variety of collection points – such as automated reverse vending machines in public places, drive through depots, over the counter in shops and pop up collection points at events and festivals.
According to the Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association of Australia (WMRR), by proposing a split responsibility model, the Victorian government is able to manage the inherent conflict of interest associated with higher return rates leading to increased costs for beverage suppliers.
“Industry applauds the Victorian government for proposing a scheme that is aligned with the government and community objective of delivering the highest quality, most accessible scheme,” WMRR CEO Gayle Sloan said.
She added that industry acknowledges that there are multiple important players with distinct responsibilities in a best practice CDS, including the beverage industry, who can play a part in the governance arena and ensure equitable distribution of costs across the sector.
“However, to drive accessibility and community engagement, a strong scheme requires a recycling-driven approach to collection points, where that governance body is not conflicted by a primary objective of minimising costs to beverage suppliers,” Sloan said.
“The Victorian government must be congratulated for electing to design its own pathway towards implementation, it is the more challenging route and one that will not be supported by all, however it is the best path to ensure maximum community access, maximum diverse participation and a community focused scheme that delivers for the people of Victoria.”
Related stories:
- VIC to introduce CDS and four bin kerbside system
- Is Victoria ready for a CDS?
- Best practice delivers performance and innovation for CDS