ACT Container Deposit Scheme reverse vending machine in Commons Court, Weston Creek. Photo: ACT Government.
The ACT Container Deposit Scheme operator Return-It has announced four new drop-and-go pods for Canberra suburbs where locals can access the 10c bottle refund.
New return points in Conder, Richardson, Kaleen and Dickson will join the company’s 18 return points already available throughout the city.
CEO Marc Churchin said it was exciting to extend the scheme.
“We’re thrilled to launch four new drop-and-go pods and make drink container recycling even more accessible for the community,” he said.
“Every bottle, can and carton returned is a positive step towards reducing litter and landfill, and building a more sustainable future.”
Return-It has four options in Canberra for people to claim their refunds – drop-and-go pods and points, cashback depots and reverse vending machines.
Canberrans have actively embraced the scheme which in the past seven years has accepted almost 400 million bottles, cans, and cartons.
Scheme coordinator Exchange for Change CEO Danielle Smalley said they have seen strong support locally.
“It is incredible to see the strong enthusiasm from the ACT community for the scheme, with 90 per cent of residents in support of the scheme and seven out of 10 having participated,” she said.
“In seven short years, the scheme has resulted in nearly $40 million in container refunds back in people’s pockets, helping people save for a special goal, family holidays and everyday expenses.”
Proponents have argued that the scheme is not just valuable environmentally but also socially, with a significant amount of money going towards charities.
Ms Smalley said the scheme was delivering strong social benefits.
“It is an increasingly popular fundraising stream for ACT charities and not-for-profits, all while ensuring bottles, cans and cartons don’t end up in landfill and instead are recycled into new containers and other products,” she said.
A five-year review by the Legislative Assembly last year highlighted $130,000 in donations made to community groups, the reduction of litter in the city, and improved recycling outcomes.
The review said the scheme could enable a more circular economy by expanding redemption to other materials.
However, bottle deposit schemes have not been without criticism.
Some critics, such as the Total Environment Centre, have argued the 10c refund is too low and should be pegged to inflation.
Australia is on the low end among comparable economies, well behind Germany’s 42 cents per bottle, Finland’s 48 cents, and Denmark’s 72 cents.
The Australia Institute has said the nation’s current reuse and recycling plans don’t address the core problem of moving away from plastics.
The scheme is moving ahead with the backing of the ACT government as the city continues to push for a more circular economy.
Figures from the ACT scheme state 69 per cent of waste that comes through deposit sites and yellow bins is recycled.
To find a deposit site near you, visit the Container Deposit Scheme.
