Day one of Victoria’s Deposit Container Scheme (CDS) saw residents in the Greater Geelong region deposit almost 100,000 eligible cans, bottles and containers providing the opportunity to deliver social, environmental and economic change in their towns with the return of a simple bottle or can.
Residents in TOMRA Cleanaway’s West Zone operation embraced the scheme with gusto, depositing more than 700,000 eligible cans, bottles and containers across Victoria at more than 140 refund collection points.
Across Greater Geelong, Surf Coast and the Bellarine regions, consumers made use of the TOMRA Cleanaway CDS Vic West Zone network of Reverse Vending Machines, over-the-counter refund points, pop up mobile collection points, and bulk container refund points called Depots in their local areas.
At the North Geelong CDS Vic Depot Bell Park, operated by Recycle4Change, almost 40,000 containers were
processed on day one, which demonstrates the amazing support and generosity of the Geelong community.
“We saw an enormous uptake of CDS Vic on day one in TOMRA Cleanaway’s West Zone operation, and Greater Geelong residents have embraced this scheme and the benefits it brings to the community,” said TOMRA Cleanaway CEO James Dorney.
“We have mobilised a convenient and accessible refund collection point network that takes eligible drink containers out of landfill and litter. Collecting more than 700,000 eligible drink containers across the State represents a considerable shift in consumer behaviour that will only build in momentum over time,” said Mr Dorney.
The bulk container refund depots are just one of the refund point types in the region, bringing new jobs and economic opportunities for disadvantaged people, charities and communities; and provide convenience and accessibility for eligible drink container returns across Victoria’s west zone.
The CDS Vic Bell Park Depot is one such example and is operated by social enterprise Recycle4Change, part of the Chance Creators group. Rob Brown, Chief Chance Creator is thrilled with the commencement of their operation supporting CDS Vic.
“Chance Creators has enthusiastically joined TOMRA Cleanaway as a partner through our Recycle4Change company to deliver two bulk container collection depots in the west zone for CDS Vic,” said Mr Brown.
“More importantly, we have been able to employ 12 people that have been impacted through the judicial system, delivering meaningful employment, connection, and support. This employment and connection also serve the community through eliminating reoffending, none of our employees have returned to prison, and reducing the financial burden on taxpayers,” said Mr Brown.
At the bulk depot locations and Reverse Vending Machines, TOMRA’s technology will scan and verify each container as it’s deposited in a fraction of a second.
City of Geelong Council, Mayor Trent Sullivan celebrated the launch of CDS Vic, Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme with Council representatives, Executives from the West Zone network operator TOMRA Cleanaway and local Bell Park CDS Vic Depot Operator – Recycle4Change.
“The launch of CDS Vic has been highly anticipated and warmly welcomed by the Geelong community,” said Mayor Sullivan.
“We commend our partners at TOMRA Cleanaway and Recycle4Change on the impressive refund collection points that have been mobilised across the region.
“Geelong City Council is involved in hosting multiple refund points that are enabling our community to participate in Australia’s most convenient and accessible container deposit scheme.
“We recognise today marks the start of the scheme in Geelong and we are looking forward to hearing the amazing stories of refunds for our community ahead.”
