Victorians have deposited one billion used drink containers in the first year of the Container Deposit Scheme, resulting in $100 million going back into the community.
The operation allows drink consumers to take their empty drink bottles to any of the 647 return points across the state, in return for 10 cents per container.
Containers are then processed to produce new items, reducing waste and working towards a linear economy.
Shepparton’s locations to return finished drink containers include:
- Ashenden St car park (7 Ashenden St)
- Asian’oz Groceries (35 Michel St)
- Wheeler St Timber Yard (15 Wheeler St)
- Bunnings (90 Benalla Rd)
- CDS Vic Depot (10 Carroll Rd)
Jim Round, the chief executive of scheme co-ordinator VicReturn, is proud that so many Victorians participated in the first year of the scheme, and encouraged even more community members to join in for the second year.
“The journey doesn’t stop here,” he said.
“We are committed to seeing the scheme go from strength to strength over the next 12 months and the years ahead.
“Across the state, we are working with community groups like Scouts and major sporting organisations like AFL Victoria and Tennis Victoria to ensure we reach as many Victorians as possible.”
To celebrate CDS Vic’s first birthday, which was on November 1, primary school students are sending powerful messages through their ‘Message in a Bottle’ installation at Scienceworks.
These messages, written inside 320 recycled bottles, remind us of the importance of recycling containers and how such actions shape the future of our planet.
The interactive installation is on display until January 27, 2025.
Felix Harding is a Greater Shepparton Secondary College student who recently completed work experience with The News.