Victorians in every corner of the state are embracing the Allan Labor Government’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) in record numbers – having returned more than 500 million cans and bottles to be recycled.

Member for Melton Steve McGhie announced that the Melton Depot has returned over 14.7 million containers since the scheme began on 1 November last year.

Victorians continue to step up to the challenge in record numbers, returning an average of 138 containers per transaction with CDS Vic processing around 17 million cans, cartons and bottles statewide every week.

Williamstown is leading the state with over 18.6 million containers returned while Melton is Melbourne’s second-best performing site with residents having returned 14.7 million containers.

Mildura maintains its position as the top-performing refund point in regional Victoria, having returned an astounding 11.7 million containers, followed closely behind by Shepparton with more than 9.7 million containers collected.

Containers collected through CDS Vic can be transformed into all kinds of new things, including material for roads, furniture, construction, textiles and more – creating new economic opportunities that will support more than 600 jobs across Victoria.

Thanks to the generosity of Victorians, more than $260,000 has already been donated to the scheme’s 3000 participating charity partners - including Citizen Blue in Williamstown, Scouts Victoria in Glen Waverley and Envirobank in Kangaroo Flat and East Bendigo.

The Labor Government has invested a record $515 million to transform the Victoria’s waste and recycling system, driving progress towards the target of diverting 80 per cent of all waste away from landfill by 2030.

Once fully rolled out in August, Victorians will be able to return eligible drink containers to around 600 refund points across the state. To find your nearest refund point and for more information, visit cdsvic.org.au.

Quote attributable to Member for Melton Steve McGhie

“Residents right across Melton have embraced our recycling initiative – reducing landfill and putting thousands of dollars back into their pockets.”