“With this RVM, Colac residents now have even more choice and convenience when it comes to making a container deposit. What excites us most is the community spirit behind the scheme. Whether you’re saving for something special, raising funds for your sporting club or simply doing your bit for the environment, every container makes a difference.”

Tony Catania, General Manager Victoria of network operator TOMRA Cleanaway.

Residents of Colac have a convenient new way to turn their empty drink containers into cash, with a Victorian Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic) reverse vending machine (RVM) at Colac Shopping Centre.

Located at 2-52 Bromfield Street, the new reverse vending machine offers locals a fast, easy and rewarding way to return eligible drink containers and claim a 10-cent refund seven days a week, from 7:00am to 7:00pm.

The opening of this new machine was recently celebrated by the Colac Otway Shire Mayor, Cr Jason Schram; Colac Woolworths Store Manager, Mark; and TOMRA Cleanaway General Manager Victoria, Tony Catania.

The machine marks the third CDS Vic refund point to land in the Colac Otway Shire and the second in the town of Colac, complementing the existing RVM at Colac Plaza. With Woolworths on board as the voucher redemption partner, residents can deposit their eligible cans, bottles and cartons and redeem their refund as a voucher in-store. Perfect for taking a little off the weekly shop!

Fast Facts:

• 17.5 million+ containers collected across the Colac Otway Shire since November 2023
• $1.75 million+ refunded to residents and community groups across the shire
• More than 1000 registered donation partners and community groups are benefiting from refund donations across the CDS Vic West Zone
• Recovered glass and PET are supplied to domestic reprocessors, supporting local manufacturing of new beverage containers and other packaging.

CEO of VicReturn the scheme coordinator for CDS Vic, Matt Davis, said community participation had been key to the scheme’s success, and the new refund point would help maintain that momentum in Victoria’s south west.

“With more than 3.2 billion containers returned through CDS Vic in less than three years, we’re seeing strong community participation right across the state. The new Colac Shopping Centre Reverse Vending Machine will build on that success by providing a convenient location to return containers and claim your refund,” Mr Davis said.

Contributing is easy. Collect your eligible containers, return them at one of the 3 refund points across the Colac Otway Shire. Find your nearest CDS Vic return point, visit: https://cdsvic.org.au/locations