How TOMRA Cleanaway’s CDS Sets the Benchmark

Australia’s journey toward a circular economy hinges on one critical principle: systemic collaboration across the entire value chain. At the Waste Expo recent industry panel on landfill alternatives, this message resonated strongly from all participants—success requires more than good intentions; it demands a framework that works in practice.

Why Extended Producer Responsibility Matters?

Mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes ensure producers take responsibility for the full lifecycle of their products. Combined with transparent labelling, community education, and accessible collection infrastructure, EPR creates the foundation for circularity. But it doesn’t stop there—financial incentives that change behaviour and viable end markets for recovered materials are essential to make the system sustainable.

picture of a pile of epmty drink bottles, cans, and cartons piled up with bales of compressed bottles to the right hand side.
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James Dorney, TOMRA Cleanaway CEO

The Magic Formula

As TOMRA Cleanaway CEO James Dorney explained:

“The magic formula, in my humble opinion, is three things. First and foremost, there’s mandatory EPR. Secondly, an efficient, accessible, easy-to-use network for collection. And thirdly, an end market. That is where the Container Deposit Scheme has delivered.”

TOMRA Cleanaway’s CDS Model Demonstrates Best Practice

TOMRA Cleanaway operates some of the most successful CDS programs in Australia, and here’s why it sets the benchmark:

  • Mandatory EPR in Action: Producers fund the system, ensuring accountability and sustainability.
  • Accessible Collection Network: TOMRA Cleanaway’s return point network is designed for convenience—easy-to-use return points that make recycling simple for everyone.
  • Diversity in partners: delivering the return point network, that make sense to local communities they serve.
  • Strong End Markets: Recovered eligible drink containers are transformed into new products, closing the loop and creating economic, social and environmental value.

The results speak for themselves: billions of containers diverted from landfill, significant reductions in litter, and a thriving circular economy that delivers environmental, social, and economic benefits.

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Beyond Environmental Impact

Circularity isn’t just about reducing waste—it’s about creating jobs, supporting local economies, and building a future where resources are valued, not discarded. TOMRA Cleanaway is proud to lead this transformation, proving that when producers, policymakers, and communities work together, waste becomes a valuable resource.