The Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) was introduced to cut litter, but is it really working?
A reverse vending machine (RVM) at the Avenue Shopping Centre in Ardeer has been consistently surrounded by litter, according to fed up residents.
The state government said the introduction of the CDS was important to help transform Victoria’s waste and recycling system. According to the government CDS Vic provides shared benefits to the community, environment and economy by delivering more and better recycling, less waste and less litter.
However, local resident Andrew Vamvoukis said he is tired of seeing the area covered in rubbish.
“I shop there regularly and the place constantly looks like a dump,” he said.
“Not just in front of the machine but all around it. People leave boxes, cartons and tubs after putting all their cans in.
“It completely defeats the purpose of what the machine was brought in for.”
A spokesperson from TOMRA Cleanaway, which administers the scheme in the west, said regular cleaning occurs but encouraged users of the machines to not litter.
“TOMRA Cleanaway is responsible for maintaining the refund collection point network in the CDS Vic West Zone and conducts regular site maintenance including site cleaning, multiple times each day,” the spokesperson said.
“Customers who make use of CDS Vic West Zone reverse vending machines are encouraged to take their rubbish home and dispose of materials in their household general waste and recycling bins.”
Mr Vamvoukis had noted that as a regular shopper he had seen some cleaning of the area, but not enough.
“They do get around and clean it, but I doubt it’s every day and it’s definitely not multiple times a day, no way,” he said.
TOMRA Cleanway’s spokesperson said despite the mess in Ardeer, they are pleased to see the community in Melbourne’s west embrace the machines.
“We are thrilled at the enthusiasm that residents across the West Zone have shown for Victoria’s container deposit scheme, CDS Vic. Since the scheme commenced on 1 November 2023, over 114 million containers have been returned across the CDS Vic West Zone, putting more than $11 million back into the pockets of local residents and community groups.”
