With the Easter bunny on the way, recyclers across Victoria have been invited to donate their 10-cent drink container refund to a vital cause.
According to Clean Up Australia’s annual litter report, drink containers account for 15 per cent of litter Australia-wide.
To address this issue, container deposit schemes have been set in place across the country, and the world.
Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme was launched less than 18 months ago.
It’s a recycling program that rewards those who embrace it with a 10-cent refund per eligible drink bottle, can and carton.
These drink containers are then processed to make new products, working towards a circular economy.
Since launching in November 2023, CDS Vic has processed nearly 1.5 billion drink containers, returning $150 million to Victorians and raising $1.5 million for local charities, schools and community groups.
Over the Christmas holidays, Victorians returned around 30 million containers almost every week, 10 million more than the usual weekly returns average.
With Easter fast approaching, scheme coordinator for CDS Vic, VicReturn, is urging Victorians to cash in their empty bottles and cans.
“This Easter, let’s turn our empty drink containers into extra cash while making a real impact on the environment,” VicReturn CEO Jim Round said.
“By recycling through CDS Vic, every bottle, can, or carton returned helps keep Victoria clean and puts money back in your pocket.
“Let’s set a new record and make an even bigger difference.”
This year, CDS Vic is asking recyclers to consider donating their refunds to The Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.
Executive director of the Good Friday Appeal, Rebecca Cowan, said that as a registered scheme donation partner, the Good Friday Appeal has raised over $72,000 through CDS Vic to date.
“Victorians have a natural generosity when it comes to helping others, and donating your containers is yet another way to support the community and contribute to the Good Friday Appeal,” she said.
“For 94 years, the community has come together to raise funds for the Good Friday Appeal, supporting sick children and providing lifesaving medical care at The Royal Children’s Hospital.
“This ongoing effort continues to make a meaningful impact, with $72,000 raised through the community donating the 10 cents from the refund of each container.”
Visit cdsvic.org.au/ to learn more about the scheme and find your nearest refund point.