The Victorian Government is seeking feedback on the design of its incoming container deposit scheme (CDS), which has entered its second consultation stage.
Due to launch in 2023, the scheme will bring Victoria in line with the rest of Australia’s states and territories – pending Tasmania’s CDS, set for launch in late 2022.
By offering a 10-cent refund on select containers, the CDS aims to maximise return of used drink cans, bottles and cartons, halving Victoria’s litter in the process.
According to figures from the Australian Beverages Council, in South Australia, which has run a CDS since 1977, the return rate of beverage containers in 2019-20 was 76.7 per cent. As a result, beverage containers make up only 2.8 per cent of litter in the state.
Lily D’Ambrosio, Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, said the Victorian community has been pushing for an accessible CDS, and were now being called on for feedback on the plan’s design.
“Victoria’s container deposit scheme will halve litter, providing a stream of clean recyclable materials for re-use in new products instead of going to landfill or polluting the environment and harming our wildlife,” she said.
“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.”
The Victorian CDS consultation period closes 26 June 2022, with a follow-up report due in September.
For more information, visit: engage.vic.gov.au
Related stories:
From good to great: a CDS opportunity
First reverse vending machine for ACT container deposit scheme
Bid to expand SA container deposit scheme