Biotuff, a leading provider of environmentally friendly and sustainable packaging solutions, joins in celebrating the remarkable initiative launched by the Allan Labor Government, known as Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme - CDS Vic.
"This groundbreaking scheme, officially opened by Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos, is set to revolutionise Victoria's approach to recycling, reducing litter by up to half while simultaneously putting money back into the pockets of Victorians," Nadia Steele from Biotuff says. "This is a massive step in the right direction and will encourage communities to recycle correctly while inspiring another generation toward the importance of recycling."
Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme invites people across the state to take an active role in promoting recycling. Eligible drink cans, bottles, and cartons can now be returned at refund points scattered throughout Victoria, with individuals receiving a 10-cent refund for each returned container.
"It almost smells like teen spirit," Steele says. "I think many of us who grew up in the 1980s and 1990s can remember collecting cans and bottles with the hope of securing some money to spend at the local deli, and there is no doubt that the inspiration that allowed many of us to see the importance of recycling."
This visionary initiative is not only a boon for the environment but also for the economy. CDS Vic is expected to generate over 600 jobs throughout the state, a significant step towards bolstering economic growth, all while breathing new life into used drink containers by transforming them into new, recycled products.
The scheme's operational efficiency is a testament to innovation. Victorians have a choice of four convenient methods to return their eligible containers, which include reverse vending machines, depots, over-the-counter sites, and pop-up refund points. Depending on the type of refund point chosen, individuals can opt for a cash refund, a retail voucher, or an electronic refund.
"In a heartening display of community support, Victorians can also choose to donate their refund to a registered charity or community organisation associated with the scheme," Steele says. "This project has so many positives. Biotuff hopes that the notion will quickly spread across into other States in Australia."
As part of its continued growth, the network of refund points for recycling containers is set to expand further in 2024, ensuring accessibility and convenience for all Victorians.
VicReturn plays a pivotal role as the Scheme Coordinator, while Zone Operators Return-It, TOMRA Cleanaway, and Visy will establish and oversee the refund points and refunds to customers, all while ensuring the responsible recycling of containers. These operators take responsibility for the refund point network in their allocated scheme zones: north, east, and west.
Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, "Our new Container Deposit Scheme is now open, which will reduce the amount of litter in Victoria by up to half - contributing to a more sustainable future while putting money back in the pockets of hardworking Victorians."
CDS Vic is a pivotal component of the Labor Government's $515 million investment to transform the state's waste and recycling system. This substantial investment encompasses implementing a standardised four-stream waste and recycling system, underscoring the government's commitment to diverting 80 per cent of all materials away from landfills by 2030.
“This will divert a tremendous amount of recyclable waste from ending up in landfill,” Steele says. “Alongside a streamline Food Organics Green Organics (FOGO) system this will seriously impact the amount of waste we throw into our overflowing landfills, creating a much better recycling system that will directly impact the future generations of eco-conscious Australians.”
Biotuff stands proudly behind the Victoria Government's visionary Container Deposit Scheme, supporting a sustainable and prosperous future for Victoria while paving the way for more initiatives like this throughout Australia.
To learn more about CDS Vic and to find the nearest refund point closest to you, visit cdsvic.org.au.
https://influencing.com/pr/112270/biotuff-applauds-victoria-governments-container-deposit-scheme
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