Victoria’s new container deposit scheme (CDS) that’s set to start in 2023  is designed to maximise the return of used drink cans, bottles and cartons for recycling, and reduce Victoria’s litter by up to half Ros Spence MP, Member for Yuroke, said.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio today announced the final design of the scheme, which was supported by 85 per cent of participants during public consultations.

The scheme means Victorians across the state will be able to return cans, bottles and cartons at various locations including shopping centres, drive through collection depots, mobile drop off points for events and community festivals, Ms Spence says.

The new scheme introduces great new and easy ways for charities and community and sports groups to fundraise as they do in other states, including through operating container collection points.

Ms Spence says it will create new economic opportunities and jobs, with responsibilities for running the scheme split between a scheme coordinator and network operators.

This model was chosen following detailed analysis of international and interstate schemes, to make sure Victoria has the best possible CDS Ms Spence says.

Ms Spence says contracts for the roles of Scheme Coordinator and Network Operators will be awarded through an open tender process after the legislation has been approved by parliament. The Government will also ensure materials collected through the scheme are sold on the broad market to interested parties for remanufacturing in Victoria.

The government will continue to work closely with the beverage and recycling industries and the community and charity sector as the legislation is developed to make sure that everyone can participate fairly and benefit from the scheme.

Quotes attributable to Member for Yuroke Ros Spence

“Victorians are great recyclers and want the most accessible, best performing CDS for our state. That’s why we’ve designed it to be easy for all Victorians across the state to access”.

“Our scheme will encourage greater recovery and reuse of materials that often end up as waste, reduce Victoria’s litter by up to half, and create new employment opportunities.”

“Charity, community, and sports groups will have great new and easy ways to fundraise.”