Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) gains local momentum as more families, sports clubs and small businesses choose to exchange their cans for cash at the automated drive-through depot operated by the Brotherhood of St Laurence (BSL).
“It’s been a whirlwind of a journey since we opened last November, and really fantastic to help so many families, sports clubs and small businesses make some much needed extra cash through the program,” logistics operations manager of social enterprises at BSL Kevin Tout says.
“We’re seeing lots of regulars come through with boot-loads of eligible drink containers that we sort and process within minutes. The kids get a real kick out of watching the machines spin and the conveyor belts go.”
“And of course, the best part for those kids is the pocket money they’ve earned. The program is such a valuable way to teach our kids about sustainability and recycling, and parents are saying they love having a job for their kids to do to earn pocket money for the next lot of school holidays.”
The CDS Vic Breakwater depot has processed over four million drink containers to date, and the team are excited to see what the future holds for the local community.
“It’s not just the families that come through, but it’s also the local social groups and sports clubs that have embraced us,” says Kevin.
“We’re a non-profit social justice organisation, and it’s important that we continue to provide opportunities for everyone to make a difference. Healthy communities are thriving communities, and through Victoria’s CDS scheme, everyone can participate in keeping used drink containers out of landfill while making some extra cash to keep or donate back to us at BSL”.
Simply start collecting eligible drink containers and return them to the CDS Vic Breakwater depot at 6 Haworth Court, Breakwater. It’s an undercover, automated, drive-through depot, with a friendly team who are always happy to help.
“We’ll pay the 10 cent refund per eligible drink container direct to your nominated bank account once you’ve linked it to the CDS Vic West App,” explains Kevin.
“And if you run a local business or a sports club, pop down and chat to us about how we can help you join the program.”
To find out what you can return, simply look for the 10 cent mark on eligible drink containers.
For more information on how you can get involved visit bsl.org.au/services/sustainability
Call 1300 366 283
Or visit the team at 6 Haworth Court, Breakwater (9am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm Saturday).
