Families, schools and community groups across Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay have helped Western Victoria reach a major sustainability milestone: more than 1 billion drink containers returned through Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic) since its launch two years ago.
In Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay alone, residents have returned more than 117,471 million eligible drink containers since November 2023, equating to roughly 1305 containers for every person across both council areas.
The popularity of the scheme has resulted in more than $11,747,105 going back into the pockets of local residents, charities, and community groups across both council areas.
Inner-west residents have proven to be especially enthusiastic supporters of the CDS, with the Williamstown collection depot operated by Citizen Blue officially ranked as the state’s busiest, receiving more than 50 million containers and providing more than $5 million in refunds to February 2025.
The reverse vending machine at the Yarraville Community Centre is also among Victoria’s most popular collection points, as are a number of the other 16 sites located throughout Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay.
Overall, the CDS West Zone stretching from Williamstown to the Wimmera has returned more than 30,000 tonnes of material from landfill and returned $100 million in refunds to local communities since the CDS began.
Chief executive of CDS West Zone network operator TOMRA Cleanaway, James Dorney said the success of the scheme was driven by those who showed up every day, collecting containers and contributing to the circular economy.
“This one billion milestone is a testament to the power of collective action,” Mr Dorney said.
“Every bottle, can and carton returned in communities like Maribrynong and Hobsons Bay l helps keep local streets and waterways clean, reduces landfill, and provides a steady stream of funding for local charities and partners.”
More than 1000 local organisations across Victoria’s west, including schools, business and sporting clubs have been supported through donated CDS refunds.
To find the nearest refund point or to sign up to send refunds to charity, visit: https://tomracleanaway.com.au/victoria/locationfinder
