Container scheme a deposit on our future

IT’S been a long time coming, but Victoria looks set to finally introduce a container deposit scheme (CDS).

A Bill was passed in the Lower House this week, detailing plans for a circular economy for recycling, including the rollout of a CDS from 2023.

Providing a financial incentive to recycle eligible bottles, cans and cartons will be a massive win for our community and will cut litter rates by up to half.

It will mirror cash-for-can refunds that we’ve seen work wonders in SA, the Northern Territory, NSW, Queensland, the ACT and WA.

A CDS also means jobs, and important ones.

Jobs that will specifically target disadvantaged members of our community.

Additionally, a CDS will be a big win for our local charities, sporting and community groups, who can gather recyclables in bulk in collection drives and deposit them for a cash reward.

Victoria hasn’t had a scheme of this type since 1989, and pending its passage through the Upper House, it will make a welcome return.

A deposit of 10 cents per can, bottle, and carton deposited will add up quickly and drive some much-needed coin into people’s pockets.

Our community, indeed our state, needs a consistent, reliable and effective system to divert recyclables from landfill, to be reused and remanufactured in a variety of innovative ways.

A CDS is a great way to help.

It’s a system that works, is popular and rewarding.

Lobbying for the return of a CDS has been a long and difficult task. It has taken more than 30 years. But it demonstrates what can be achieved by staying the course and playing the long game.

Advocacy has been a statewide effort, but we have had some particularly committed advocates right here at home, including Fiona Hilton-Wood, who dedicated most of her council term to the cause, and local activist Travis Beauchamp, who was well known for his tenacious lobbying of councillors and state politicians over many years.

Our community thanks you for your efforts, and soon, we’ll all be cashing in.