Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) has processed 1 billion containers in its first year of operation, with Geelong contributing nearly 55 million bottles and cans to the state’s tally.
The scheme, which provides a 10 cent refund for every container deposited, celebrated its first birthday on Friday, November 1.
Greater Geelong CDS collection points recorded 54,981,507 drink container deposits through the year, with another 59,106 returned in the Borough of Queenscliffe, resulting in $5.5 million flowing back to charities, community groups and individuals in the region.
Jim Round, chief executive of the scheme’s coordinator VicReturn, congratulated the community for its recycling efforts, saying “the journey doesn’t stop here”..
“We are committed to seeing the scheme go from strength to strength over the next 12 months and the years ahead,” Mr Round said.
“Across the state we are working with community groups like Scouts and major sporting organisations like AFL Victoria and Tennis Victoria to ensure we reach as many Victorians as possible.”
Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant said the appetite for recycling on the peninsula had led to the number of drop-off points quickly increasing from the initial two to seven.
“I am very proud of the Bellarine community for how involved they have become in this new recycling opportunity, with many local community groups and sporting clubs utilising the scheme to raise funds for their organisation while learning about the importance of recycling and supporting the environment,” she said.
Visit cdsvic.org.au to find your nearest refund point and learn more about CDS Vic.
