Released 08/06/2018
Local charity groups in Canberra are set to receive a boost thanks to the ACT Container Deposit Scheme, with a number of container return points to be co-located with charity shop fronts across Canberra.
From 30 June 2018, Canberrans will be able to collect eligible containers and take them to a return point to receive a 10 cent refund for each.
The number of return points across the ACT will increase over coming months, and will be located at charity shop fronts or at larger bulk return depots, with residents able to choose to collect the refund themselves or donate the funds to charity.
“The use of charity shop fronts is a key part of our approach to the CDS here in Canberra, with people able to donate their refund, receive cash, or have the money transferred to their bank account,” said Minister for Transport and City Services Meegan Fitzharris.
“The social enterprise model will also create new employment opportunities for Canberrans, as well as raising funds to provide services and support for those in the community who need it most.
“When the scheme begins operating from 30 June 2018, people will be able to return their containers to the Salvation Army in Fyshwick and St Vincent De Paul shop fronts in Belconnen, Dickson and Tuggeranong.
“A bulk depot site will also be available at 151 Gladstone Street in Fyshwick for those who want to return more than 500 containers at a time.
“While not every region will have a return point on day one, more locations will come online in coming months. By July 2019 there will be 18 return points in operation across the ACT,” Minister Fitzharris said.
The CDS puts the onus on industry to be responsible for the products they make, promote recovery, reuse and recycling of eligible containers, and reduce litter and the number of containers going to landfill.
Around 200 million eligible containers are sold each year in the ACT, and right now, only around 30 per cent are being recycled.
Minister Fitzharris encouraged local community, charity and sporting groups to use the opportunity to raise funds, and extended an invitation for all Canberrans to attend a community information session to find out how to get involved.
More information is available online at www.actcds.com.au.
Residents can download a fundraising toolkit, or register online to attend the community information session from 6pm, 13 June 2018 at the Canberra Southern Cross Club, Woden
The establishment of the ACT CDS was a Labor Election Commitment and part of the ACT Greens and ACT Labor Parliamentary Agreement.
More return points will be announced in coming months.
First Container Deposit Scheme return points
| Return Point Location | Address |
|---|---|
| Vinnies Belconnen | Corner of Rae and Purdue Streets, Belconnen |
| Vinnies Dickson | 1/9 Woolley Street, Dickson |
| Vinnies Tuggeranong | Corner of Pittman Street and Athllon Drive, Greenway |
| Salvos Fyshwick | 15 Mildura Street, Fyshwick |
| Fyshwick Bulk Depot | 151 Gladstone Street, Fyshwick (for more than 500 items) |
- Statement ends -
Meegan Fitzharris, MLA | Media Releases
Media Contacts
| Name | Phone | Mobile | |
|---|---|---|---|
Claire Johnston |
(02) 6205 0022 |
0452 597 459 |