Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme operator, Visy, has launched a large format CDS Vic Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) refund point in Melbourne’s CBD, the first of its kind in a CBD across Australia.
Residents and visitors can now cash in their eligible drink containers at the RVM in Federation Square, Russell Street Extension, Melbourne. It joins two small-format RVMs located in Secure Parking car parks on Queen Street and Mackenzie Street.
It was officially opened by the Minister for the Environment Steve Dimopoulos, who was joined by Jim Round, CEO of VicReturn; Katrina Sedgwick, CEO of the Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation; Deb Cailes, acting head at Recycling Victoria; and Tierry Lauren, executive general manager for Recycling at Visy.
Those wanting to cash in their eligible drink containers can bring them to the Federation Square RVM and receive a refund of 10 cents per container.
The refund can be redeemed as a cash voucher refundable at Coles supermarkets, via an electronic funds transfer or as a donation to a charity.
“We’re thrilled to bring more recycling locations to the heart of Melbourne, making recycling easier for visitors, residents, and workers in the city every day,” said Tim O’Donnell, Visy’s general manager for CDS.
According to Jim Round, CEO of VicReturn, Victorians were getting behind the CDS in record numbers.
“More than 90.2 million containers were returned over Christmas and the New Year period across the state through Victoria’s CDS – a record high,” Round continued.
“We’re already seeing the strong participation continue through January to start 2025 off strong, and I couldn’t be prouder of Victoria’s recycling efforts.”
CDS Vic commenced on 1 November 2023, and Victorians have returned over 1.3 billion containers across the state.
The community can find their nearest refund point and access their electronic refunds through the CDS Vic North app for iOS or Android. For access to refund points across the state, visit CDS Vic.
