Recycling Victoria’s container deposit scheme (CDS Vic) celebrated its first birthday on 1 November 2024. More than 1 billion containers have been returned in the scheme’s first year of operation, putting more than $100 million back into the pockets of Victorians.
CDS Vic is processing an average of around 19 million cans, cartons and bottles across the state every week.
Circular economy
An important part of building Victoria’s circular economy, the scheme’s benefits include less waste, a reduction in litter and the creation of 597 new jobs as a direct result of CDS Vic. The initiative has also provided charities, schools, sports club, and community organisations new ways to raise funds.
More than $950,000 has been generated in donations to not-for-profit groups thanks to the generosity of Victorian’s who have elected to donate their refund to a registered donation partner. Across the state more than 4,200 different not-for-profit organisations such as charities, schools, sports clubs or community organisations are registered donation partners.
Message in a bottle
Victorian primary school kids shared their recycling messages throughout October as part of CDS Vic’s Message in a Bottle installation which forms part of the first birthday celebrations. The Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos MP visited Scienceworks to open the Message in a Bottle installation. The installation will be on display at Scienceworks from 1 November to 27 January.
