Barwon residents reap a $3m reward for recycling through container deposit scheme

With more than 33 million cans and bottles recycled in the Barwon region, residents have made the most of the first seven months of the ‘cans for cash’ scheme.

Brotherhood of St Laurence Breakwater depot workers Emily Ford and Andrew Merrette unload a delivery of containers for recycling. Picture: Alan Barber

More than $3.3m has been put in the pockets of Barwon residents and their selected charities through the “cash for cans” container deposit scheme (CDS).

Residents in Greater Geelong have recycled more than 31.4 million containers, Surf Coast residents more than 2.2 million and Queenscliff residents over 22,500 since the scheme began in November.

Statewide more than 500m containers have been returned through the scheme.

In the Barwon region, there are two depots and 24 reverse vending machines for people to recycle eligible containers.

Through the collection points, more than 18 million cans, nearly eight million clear plastic bottles and almost seven million glass bottles have been recycled.

Paul and Mac Jackson, are among residents making the most of recycling containers through the CDS, as they unload a wagon of cans and plastic bottles. Picture: Alan Barber

TOMRA Cleanaway chief executive James Dorney said as operator of the CDS Vic West Zone, which includes Geelong, the organisation saw the Barwon community’s enthusiasm for the scheme first-hand.

Brotherhood of St Laurence operates the Breakwater depot in South Geelong.

Logistics operations manager and acting head of social enterprise Kevin Tout said the Brotherhood of St Laurence was thrilled about the success of its first social enterprise project in the scheme and the jobs it had provided.

Barwon residents Scarlett and Hayley Blair deliver an haul of cans and bottles as the state reaches a milestone 500m containers recycled. Picture: Alan Barber

“Recently, we have partnered with local charities and clubs by providing them with bins to collect eligible containers, raising funds for much-needed resources and making an impact on sustainability and the circular economy by keeping containers out of landfill,” he said.

“It’s been amazing to see so many families getting behind the program with kids who love collecting eligible drink containers to earn easy pocket money.”

Originally published as Barwon residents reap a $3m reward for recycling through container deposit scheme