Cade Lucas
Having campaigned for many years to have a container deposit scheme established in Victoria, the Werribee River Association is now asking that some of the proceeds be donated back to them now the scheme is up and running.
Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme, officially launched on November 1, with each eligible drink container deposited earning a 10 cent refund.
In the first week alone, more than 10 million containers were deposited resulting in $1 million in refunds.
Given the amount of money on offer, the Werribee River Association’s Lisa Field is appealing for some it to be sent back their way in order to keep them going.
As a registered charity under scheme, anyone can download the CDS West app and use this to link their collections to the chosen charity, Werribee River Association.
Alternatively, collectors can receive cash for collections and then make a donation via the Association’s website.
“It could be five bucks a month,” she said of the type of donations the association is after.
“It’s not a huge amount of money but the efforts we’ve put in over the years in terms of collecting litter, counting litter and advocating to government and we’re still ongoing doing our little work. I think if people want to make a contribution to the environment, this is an opportunity where they can do that, whether they do it with their workplace or their school, or just their house.”
Ms Field said while she had noticed a reduction in drink containers in the three months since the scheme began, plenty of other waste remained.
“I’m still seeing litter,” she said.
“There will be less cans, bottles and other eligible containers on the streets, but that hasn’t solved all the other microplastics, coffee cups and cigarette butts etc.”
Ms Field said combating this type of litter as well funding the association’s other programs and their operating costs, would be where the donation money is spent.
“We use the money for our various programs which include litter programs, Landcare programs and educational programs. In that we have the cost some of the plants, tea and coffee for our volunteers, photocopying and printing and other costs related to our education programs. Volunteer equipment as well.”
Details: mytomra.com.au/digital-payout/cds-vic-west-app.
