Horsham people will be able to earn money for used bottles and cans with a new recycling initiative now underway.
The Victorian Government earlier this year announced that the state would join the rest of Australia in implementing a Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) that will reward consumers with a 10-cent refund for every eligible drink container that they return.
An automatic depot suitable for bulk collections opened at Axis Worx in Golf Course Road on Wednesday.
In the coming weeks, a reverse vending machine, designed for smaller collections, will be placed in central Horsham along Park Drive.
Council is not involved in the facilitation or management of the scheme. TOMRA Cleanaway is the network operator for the Wimmera area and is responsible for collecting eligible drinking containers and issuing refunds to consumers.
Mayor Robyn Gulline said Council was supportive of the scheme.
“This initiative is a win-win for our community,” she said.
“It both encourages responsible waste management, and supports our local charities, schools, community groups and environmental organisations.
“People cashing in their containers can either claim the refund themselves or donate it to a charity or community group,” Cr Gulline said.
Once returned, these containers will be recycled and used in the creation of new drink containers and various useful products, contributing to a circular economy.
Groups wanting to get involved in the scheme need to register their interest with TOMRA Cleanaway.
