The Victorian container deposit scheme has raised some concerns. Image credit: Marco Verch, Flickr
The Victorian container deposit scheme launches next week, but many Victorians are still unsure where they can recycle their bottles.
Earlier this year, the Victorian government announced that the state would implement a Container Deposit Scheme that would refund 10 cents for every eligible can, carton, and bottle returned.
The government expects this initiative to reduce the state’s litter by up to a half.
It is described as a “win” for the community, environment, and the economy.
This would align Victoria with the rest of the country, where most states and territories have had cash for containers refund points for several years.
The container deposit scheme is set to begin on 1 November, but it is believed that hundreds of drop off locations are yet to be identified.
According to CDS Vic, there will be more locations opening in the coming weeks and they expect the network to continue to grow by August 2024.
Executive director of Total Environment Centre, Jeff Angel, has criticised the government for this “slow start”.
“The government hasn’t given enough time for the roll-out of these refund points,” he said.
“I think a lot of people are going to find the system inconvenient, which is totally contrary to getting the maximum return rate for the bottles and cans.”
He believes that this will “put some people off” and there may be low rates of return for a while.
Angel also has concerns that the there are three networks — TOMRA Cleanaway, Visy, and Return-It — operating different areas.
“We have a concern, of course, that when you’ve got three different network operators, you’re not going to have the same quality of access and quality of refund points.”
He says the government has “further work to do”.
