Australian State Proposes ‘Cash for Cans’ Scheme To Tackle Litter Issue

KEY POINTS

Victoria is the only state without a Container Deposit Scheme in Australia
The scheme promises 10c for every empty can, small bottle and carton dropped off at a collection point
The scheme is open for public review and is proposed to be rolled out in 2023

In a bid to reduce litter and encourage recycling, authorities in Victoria, Australia, has proposed a container deposit scheme, titled "Cash for Cans."

Under the scheme, residents will get a refund of 10 cents per empty can, small bottle or carton they drop off at a collection point.

The state's Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning has sought reviews from beverage consumers, businesses and organizations, communities and local governments regarding the scheme, proposed to be rolled out in 2023. Victoria was the only state without a Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) in Australia.

"We are keen to hear your views on our proposed governance structure as well as key elements of the CDS, including infrastructure, eligible container types and proposed refund amounts," the department said in a report.

"The CDS will reduce waste, provide opportunities for local businesses and community groups and create hundreds of jobs," said Lily D'Ambrosio, Australia's environment minister, the Guardian reported. She also added that drink cans and bottles make up almost half of all the litter in Victoria.

The local administration will provide regulatory oversight for the scheme, while the beverage industry will manage its operations.

In the report, the department said consumers will utilize the scheme based on their "convenience" and hence it is planning to set up refund collection points at convenient locations like retail outlets, near vending machines and drive-through depots.

Such schemes have been rolled out in other states like South Australia, the Northern Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, Australian Capital Territory.

"In states where the beverage giants have run the CDS we have seen lower container returns, and it's essential that the beverage industry's focus on retaining profits does not contaminate the scheme's capacity to offer the best level of refund service," Jeff Angel, director of The Boomerang Alliance, an environmental organization, told the Guardian.