The Victorian Government has expanded its Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) with the introduction of a large Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) at Federation Square’s Russell Street Extension, making it easier for residents, workers, and visitors in Melbourne’s CBD to recycle bottles and containers.
Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos officially opened the new facility last week, highlighting its role in improving accessibility to recycling.
“Victoria’s CDS is going from strength to strength, and this new Reverse Vending Machine at Federation Square is making recycling easier and more convenient than ever before,” he said.
Capable of holding up to 30,000 containers at a time, the new RVM is the largest of its kind in any Australian city.
It joins two smaller RVMs operated by North Zone Operator Visy at Secure Parking locations on Queen Street and Mackenzie Street.
Since the scheme’s launch on 1 November 2023, Victorians have returned over 1.3 billion bottles and containers, diverting up to one-third from landfill in just over a year.
The holiday period saw particularly high engagement, with 90.2 million containers returned across the state.
Jim Round, CEO of VicReturn, which oversees the scheme, said the new facility enhances convenience for those in the CBD.
“The new Reverse Vending Machine at Federation Square will allow those within reach of the CBD to give their drink containers a second life,” he said.
With 650 CDS sites already in operation across Victoria, the government aims to continue expanding the network. Tim O’Donnell, General Manager at Visy’s CDS Vic North Zone Operator, welcomed the addition.
“We’re thrilled to bring more recycling locations to the heart of Melbourne, making recycling easier for visitors, residents, and workers in the city every day,” he said.
Individuals looking to recycle their eligible drink containers at the Federation Square RVM can receive a 10-cent refund per container.
More information about the scheme is available at cdsvic.org.au.
