Victorian Government seeking feedback on CDS proposed model

The Government is asking Victorians to provide feedback on the proposed model for the state's container deposit scheme, due to be rolled out by 2023.

The proposed CDS model stipulates that there would be split responsibility for the operation and governance for the scheme.

Energy, Environment and Climate Change Minister Lily D’Ambrosio highlighted the design of the scheme maximises the quantity of bottles collected at the lowest delivery costs, also ensuring a high level of transparency and accountability.

The CDS network would involve several collection points, including automated reverse vending machines in public settings, drive through depots, over the counter in shops and pop up collection points at events and festivals.

The Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association of Australia (WMRR) note the proposal of a split responsibility model enables the Victorian Government to manage the inherent conflict of interest that comes with higher return rates leading to increased costs for beverage suppliers.

WMRR CEO Gayle Sloan said “Industry applauds the Victorian Government for proposing a scheme that is aligned with the government community objective of delivering the highest quality, most accessible scheme.”

Sloan also highlighted the acknowledgement from industry of the involvement of multiple important players, each with distinct responsibilities when implementing a best practice CDS. This includes the beverage industry, who play a part in the governance arena, ensuring equitable distribution of costs across the sector.

“However, to drive accessibility and community engagement, a strong scheme requires a recycling-driven approach to collection points, where that governance body is not conflicted by a primary objective of minimising costs to beverage suppliers,” Sloan said.

“The Victorian government must be congratulated for electing to design its own pathway towards implementation, it is the more challenging route and one that will not be supported by all, however it is the best path to ensure maximum community access, maximum diverse participation and a community focused scheme that delivers for the people of Victoria.”

You can hear more on the future of the Victorian CDS at the session ‘Container Deposit Scheme – Harmonisation’ at the AWRE Online Event. Don’t miss out and register free online here.