Bottle Bill Resource Guide

 

Law Summary

Circular Economy (Waste Reduction and Recycling) Act 2021 [1]

Date Implemented Passed October 2021; implemented November 2023
Containers Covered

Beverages that are  ≥150mL and ≤3L of the following materials:

  • PET
  • HDPE
  • Glass
  • Aluminum
  • Steel
  • Liquid paperboard

Containers should be returned empty, uncrushed, unbroken and with the original label attached. [2]

Beverages and Containers Not Covered
  • Plain milk (or milk substitute) containers
  • Flavored milk containers ≥1L
  • 90% or more fruit or vegetable juice containers ≥1L
  • Glass containers for wine and spirits
  • Wine in casks ≥1L
  • Water in casks ≥1L
  • Sachets for wine ≥250mL
  • Cordials
  • Concentrated fruit/vegetable juices
  • Registered health tonics
Amount of Deposit

10¢ AUD

Reclamation System

The collection point network is made up of several types of return points including Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs), Automated Depots, Over the Counter (OTC) and Pop Up Centers.

There are three network operators (Visy, Return-It, and TOMRA Cleanaway) that are responsible for setting up and maintaining the collection point networks across three zones. [3]

Handling Fee N/A
Other Fees

Suppliers must make a contribution fee by material type based on a fixed pricing model: [4]

 Material type  Cost per container supplied (ex. GST)  Cost per container supplied (inc. GST)
 Aluminum 11.05 ¢ 12.16 ¢
 Glass 11.40 ¢ 12.54 ¢
 HDPE 11.15 ¢ 12.27 ¢
PET 11.15 ¢ 12.27 ¢
 Liquid Paper Board 11.50 ¢ 12.65 ¢
 Steel  11.10 ¢ 12.21 ¢
 Other Plastics 11.10 ¢ 12.21 ¢
 Other Materials 11.10 ¢ 12.21 ¢
Weighted Average Costs 11.18 ¢ 12.30 ¢
Unredeemed Deposits Remains with the industry.
Program Success N/A

 

Details

In February 2020,  the Victorian Government announced the planned implementation of a container deposit program in tandem with a curbside recycling reform, which standardizes waste and recycling services across the state. [5] This announcement was preceded by an inquiry into the feasibility of such a program the previous year.

On October 27, 2021, Victoria passed the Circular Economy (Waste Reduction and Recycling) Act 2021, part six of which sets up a container refund program to help meet the goal of diverting 80% of all material away from landfills by 2030. [6] Victoria is the second-to-last Australian state to implement a container deposit program, before Tasmania. The government opened public consultation into the program during November 2020. [7]

Victoria’s container recycling program, titled “CDS Vic”, began on November 1, 2023. The program is operated by organizations Return-it, TOMRA Cleanaway and Visy, who oversee three different "zones" comprised of more than 600 refund collection points across the state, making the program accessible to all Victorians. The system is overseen by VicReturn, a non-profit entity composed of Australia’s beverage producers. Groups and organizations are also able to receive container donations from the community, run a refund collection point, or host a container collection drive through Pop Up locations. [8]

Footnotes

[1]"MWRRG welcomes new Circular Economy Bill and Recycling Victoria." November 26, 2021.

[2] "Eligible Containers." CDS Vic (VicReturn). Last accessed November 3, 2023.

[3] "Container deposit scheme." Government of Victoria. Last updated November 1, 2023.

[4] "Scheme Pricing from 1 November 2023." VicReturn. Last accessed November 3, 2023.

[5] "Victoria to introduce container deposit scheme as part of recycling industry overhaul." ABC News Australia. February 23, 2020.

[6] See Footnote 1.

[7] "Victorian Container Deposit Scheme: Discussion Paper." The State of Victoria Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning. October 2020.

[8] "Victorians to benefit from new container deposit scheme." Australia National Retail Association. April 17, 2023.

 

Last updated on November 3, 2023.

 

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