The ACT Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) is marking its seventh year of operation, celebrating a milestone that has seen nearly 400 million bottles, cans and cartons returned through its growing return point network.
In line with the anniversary, four new “drop and go” pods are being rolled out across Canberra, aimed at making recycling more convenient and accessible for residents.
The first two pods will open in the week starting 7 July at the Gordon district playing field in Conder and the Richardson neighbourhood oval in May Gibbs Close. Two additional pods are expected to launch in Kaleen and Dickson by mid-July.
The new additions will bring the total number of return points across the ACT to 22, which include a mix of reverse-vending machines, donation stations, drop and go pods, and cash-back depots.
Danielle Smalley, CEO of scheme coordinator Exchange for Change, highlighted the program’s growing impact across environmental, social and economic fronts.
“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 7 out of 10 having participated,” Smalley 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.”
She added that the CDS has become a reliable fundraising source for local charities and not-for-profits, while also playing a vital role in reducing waste.
Return-It CEO Marc Churchin welcomed the expansion of the return point network and said it would strengthen community engagement with recycling efforts.
“We’re thrilled to launch four new drop and go pods and make drink container recycling even more accessible for the community,” Mr Churchin said. “Every bottle, can and carton returned is a positive step towards reducing litter and landfill, and building a more sustainable future.”
Since the scheme’s launch on 30 June 2018, ACT residents have returned almost 400 million containers through CDS return points, translating into close to $40 million in refunds. A further 273 million containers have been recovered via kerbside recycling.
According to ACT CDS, the impact of these recycling efforts is significant. The environmental benefits include water savings equivalent to filling 1,070 Olympic swimming pools, energy savings to power 4,963 homes for a year, and CO2 emissions reductions comparable to removing 21,468 cars from the road annually.
The current redemption rate stands at 69 per cent, meaning more than two-thirds of containers supplied in the ACT are being returned, reducing the beverage industry’s reliance on virgin materials such as PET plastic, glass and aluminium.
The ACT Container Deposit Scheme is an ACT Government initiative delivered in partnership with Exchange for Change and Return-It, and is funded by the beverage industry under an extended producer responsibility model.
More information about return point locations and how to participate in the scheme can be found at www.actcds.org.au.
