Victorians can now return their used Tetra Pak beverage cartons for recycling and receive a 10c refund following the launch of Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS).
Beverage cartons returned via Vicotria’s CDS will be accepted and processed at SaveBoard, a local recycling facility that turns recycled cartons into low-carbon construction materials. SaveBoard’s first Australian site opened in February this year and can process up to 4000 tonnes of materials each year. Since its launch, it has recycled more than 365 tonnes of beverage cartons.
Boris Munster, MD of Tetra Pak Oceania, welcomes the initiative and says it will play a crucial role in providing a consistent and reliable source of beverage cartons for SaveBoard’s recycling facilities.
He added that Tetra Pak is confident that in incentivising consumers to return their cartons, the scheme will see a boost in local supplies of post-consumer recycled materials, a valuable commodity that can be put to good use for new packaging, products, and building materials.
“Ultimately, this will lead to better environmental outcomes across Victoria. Cartons are already a beverage packaging choice with one of the lowest carbon footprints on the market,” said Munster. “We’re pleased that more of our beverage cartons will now be recycled and contribute positively toward the circular economy.”
The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) welcomes the launch of the scheme, considering it a positive step towards a circular economy.
“Responsible waste management and recycling practices are critical for the health of our environment,” remarked Paul Zahra, CEO of ARA. “Container deposit schemes have the potential to reduce litter and increase recycling rates, taking us one step closer to a circular economy.”
Supporting the initiative, supermarket chain Coles has introduced 47 Reverse Vending Machines in its Victorian stores to coincide with the CDS launch.
Coles GM for Grocery Leanne White says the scheme is an excellent way for customers to be rewarded for recycling and allows used cans, bottles and other eligible containers to be recycled into new products.
“We’re proud to be adding Reverse Vending Machines to 47 stores across the state in the coming months, from Bendigo to Blackburn, Berwick and Braybrook; we want to help make recycling as easy as possible for our customers,” said Leanne.
“Now Victorian customers can be rewarded for returning their used cans, bottles and cartons, with the option to put the funds towards their next shop at Coles, redeem for cash, give to a charity, or add it straight into their bank account.”
Meanwhile, experts from RMIT University say the new scheme’s success relies on the “right pitch” and reinforcing new habits to motivate people to participate.
To encourage faster adoption and greater public involvement, Fatima Madani, lecturer in Marketing at RMIT, recommends practising constant communication, instilling convenient processes, and creating ongoing connections.
“Offering incentives is a well-established external reinforcement to encourage individual behaviour,” said Madani.
“Sustainability motives alone don’t encourage mass participation, so a monetary incentive is necessary to drive people to improve their recycling practices.”
