Families, schools and community groups across the Melton and Moorabool areas have helped western Victoria reach a major sustainability milestone: over 1 billion eligible drink containers returned through Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic) since the scheme’s launch in November 2023.
In these areas alone, residents have returned more than 133,747 million eligible drink containers through a network of 14 refund points, resulting in over $13,374,780 going back into the pockets of local residents, charities, and community groups. That’s roughly 1,027 containers for every person in the Melton and Moorabool areas and thousands donated to help fund local charities.
This achievement marks a significant step forward in Victoria’s journey toward a circular economy and highlights the community’s commitment to sustainability, litter reduction, and everyday positive recycling behaviours.
Households, schools, businesses and community groups throughout the west zone have enthusiastically embraced the scheme – turning recycling into a daily habit and a powerful force for positive change. Their collective efforts have diverted over 30,000 tonnes of material from landfill and returned $100 million in refunds to local residents and fundraising initiatives.
CDS Vic West Zone network operator TOMRA Cleanaway is proud to partner with local organisations across Melton and Moorabool to deliver their refund point network. One example is the CDS Vic Melton Depot, operated by KARI Australia, which is an Indigenous not-for-profit organisation building community strength, supporting wellbeing and enriching lives through programs and services.
“This one billion milestone is a testament to the power of collective action,” TOMRA Cleanaway CEO James Dorney said.
“Every bottle, can and carton returned in communities like Melton and Moorabool helps keep local streets and waterways clean, reduces landfill, and provides a steady stream of funding for local charities and partners.”
The success of CDS Vic west zone is driven by the people who show up every day – collecting their containers, supporting their local refund point, and championing the circular economy.
Fast Facts:
• 1 billion plus containers collected in the West Zone since November 2023
• Equivalent to over 30,000 tonnes of material diverted from landfill
• $100 million plus refunded to residents and community groups
• Over 1,000 local organisations across Victoria’s west supported through donations
• Melton and Moorabool 133,747 containers returned and $13,374,780 in refunds to local residents and groups
TOMRA Cleanaway remains committed to working alongside communities to deliver a safe, accessible and convenient refund point network, and to continue raising awareness to ensure even greater recycling success in the years ahead.
Help keep popular spots like the Melton Botanic Gardens cleaner for everyone.
Here’s to the next billion—powered by you.
To find your nearest refund point, visit: https://tomracleanaway.com.au/victoria/location-finder/#_map-of-refund-points
