Highpoint Shopping Centre has become the latest location to feature a reverse vending machine refund point as part of the state government’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic).
The new refund point is the sixth installation in the Maribyrnong area, and will be operated by TOMRA Cleanaway.
Since the scheme’s commencement on November 1, 2023, Victorians have been actively collecting and recycling eligible drink bottles, cartons, and cans, returning them to CDS Vic refund points to receive 10 cents per item.
TOMRA Cleanaway chief executive James Dorney said the new refund point will provide locals with a convenient location to drop off their eligible drink containers for recycling.
Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos said Victorians have returned more than 500 million containers in just six months.
TOMRA Cleanaway operates 174 deposit sites across the CDS Vic west zone and plans to increase the deposit to 180 by August this year.
Users can choose to receive their refund through a retail cash voucher, digital transfer to a bank account, or as a donation to a nominated charity or community group.
CDS Vic offers charities, community groups, schools, and sporting organisations new fundraising opportunities by registering as donation partners.
As of July 27, over 1100 charities and organisations have registered within the west zone, including the Maribyrnong Park Football Club and the Maribyrnong River and Waterways Association.
Maribyrnong residents can download the CDS Vic west zone app to check the live status of their local refund point, verify container eligibility, and manage and track container refunds.
The app also provides a unique opportunity to donate container refunds to numerous charity partners involved in the scheme.
Anne Parisianne
