A new container deposit scheme (CDS) refund point has found a home at the Sugar Gum Hotel in Hillside.
Since the scheme commenced on November 1, 2023, residents across Victoria have been collecting and recycling eligible drink bottles, cartons, and cans and returning them through CDS refund points to receive 10 cents per item in return.
Located at the Sugar Gum Hotel, 2 Gourlay Road, Hillside, this is the 16th refund point installed in Brimbank.
TOMRA Cleanaway currently has 170 deposit sites across the CDS Vic West Zone, with 180 refund points planned to be installed by August 2024 when the scheme is fully rolled out.
The reverse vending machine technology scans and verifies each container deposited and provides options to the user to either receive the amount through a retail cash voucher, via digital transfer direct to a bank account, or for the amount to be sent as a donation to a nominated charity or community group.
CDS Vic gives charities, community groups, schools, and sporting groups new ways to fundraise by registering as a Donation Partner.
In Brimbank groups and organisations are already fundraising through CDS Vic, including the Albion Football Club Sports Club, the St Albans Football and Netball Club, the Sunshine Baseball Club, and the Lions Club of Taylors Lakes.
TOMRA Cleanaway chief executive James Dorney said the new Hillside refund point allows locals a location where they can conveniently drop off their eligible drink containers for recycling.
“Our machines are quick, convenient, and automated, and able to be seamlessly integrated into
retail and community locations,” Mr Dorney said.
“ … The community has shown that when provided with a convenient, accessible, and technology-based container deposit scheme network, they will get involved.”
Brimbank residents can also download the CDS Vic West Zone app to check on the live status of their local refund point, verify container eligibility, and manage and track container refunds.
