Matt Hewson
The continued roll-out of container recycling drop-off points is making it easier for residents to support important local organisations and charities.
The Victorian Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) has just installed its 17th refund point in the Greater Geelong area, with its latest reverse vending machine installed at Drysdale Bowling and Croquet Club.
The scheme, which partners with local charities and community organisations to help their fundraising efforts, has collected more than 47.7 million containers in regional Victoria since it commenced on November 1 last year.
Members of the public are given the option at drop-off to nominate a CDS fundraising partner as the recipient of the refund for their containers.
Geelong Animal Rescue (GAR), which dedicates itself to the rescue and rehoming of unwanted animals, has been signed up as a CDS partner since the second week of the scheme.
GAR director Jordan Barker said her organisation was run entirely by volunteers and relied on fundraising for 100 per cent of its operational costs.
“We’re really excited to be a part of it,” Ms Barker said.
“It means that people in the community can, through accessing the CDS, select our charity when they drop off their recycling. It’s a really cool system and we’re very grateful we’ve been able to partner with them.
“It feels very wholesome. It’s a chance for people to recycle, help the planet, and also help animals.”
James Dorney, chief executive of the scheme’s West Zone network operator TOMRA Cleanaway, said he was very excited to see the new refund point installed at Drysdale.
“The community has shown that when provided with a convenient, accessible, and technology-based container deposit scheme network, they will get involved,” Mr Dorney said.
