The ABCL has lodged a submission to the Victorian Government on ‘Striking the right balance for waste to energy in Victoria’.

The ABCL outlined the industry’s strong commitment to a circular economy, including full funding and participation in container deposit schemes (CDS), engagement with national packaging initiatives, and investment in advanced glass and PET recycling facilities.

The submission supports Victoria’s existing prohibition on processing CDS-eligible containers in thermal WtE facilities under the Circular Economy (Waste Reduction and Recycling) Act 2021. The ABCL emphasised that CDS containers are collected through a dedicated system designed to deliver high-value recycling outcomes, and should remain in recycling streams rather than be diverted to energy recovery.

Maintaining this safeguard is critical to protecting the integrity and performance of the CDS and ensuring strong circular economy outcomes for Victoria.