Victoria Announces Container Deposit Scheme Model

WEDNESDAY 21 APRIL 2021, SYDNEY: The Australian Beverages Council [ABCL] welcomes today’s announcement and progress made in the design and development of Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS).

With the announcement today by Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio of a split responsibility CDS model, the government moves closer to the implementation of a scheme for Victorians to recycle their beverage containers. The ABCL commends the government on the proposed appointment of multiple network operators. This will promote competition within the network for containers, ensure participation by community groups and assist with driving higher redemption rates and better customer service.

The Minister’s announcement confirmed that the material collected through the scheme will be sold in the open market for remanufacturing in Victoria. This is a welcomed and important structure of the scheme’s design that will deliver greater efficiency and advancements towards a circular economy.

As the peak industry body representing ninety-five per cent of the non-alcoholic industry (by volume), the ABCL is pleased to hear that contracts for the Scheme Coordinator and Network Operators will be managed through an open tender process providing the ability for community groups, small business and councils to bid for this.

Geoff Parker, ABCL’s Chief Executive Officer said, “It is of the upmost priority that the Victorian CDS enables community groups, charities and small businesses a fair opportunity to participate in and benefit from the Victorian scheme. We have seen the benefit Container Deposit Schemes can bring communities by way of income and employment and wish to see the same level of success in Victoria.”

“The Australian Beverages Council Limited looks forward to continuing to work closely with the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning in the development of the scheme and are commitment to delivering an effective and efficient CDS at the lowest cost to consumers while maximising job creation and community wide participation,” said Geoff Parker.

For further information or to speak with Mr Geoff Parker, CEO, Australian Beverages Council:
Cathy Cook
Head of Corporate Affairs
P: +61 406 399 211