Alpine Shire residents and visitors will soon have a new way to recycle on the go, with Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic) rolling out bin baskets across the community.
Delivered in partnership with Alpine Shire Council, the program will see specially designed baskets installed on public litter bins, making it easy to leave eligible drink containers for others to collect and return for a 10-cent refund.
Inspired by Western Australia’s successful “container exchange point” model, the baskets aim to reduce litter, cut landfill, and make recycling easier in public places.
As part of the rollout, 52 metal baskets and recycled plastic rails will be installed on public bins across Alpine Shire, helping keep eligible containers out of landfill while supporting community members to collect the refund.
The baskets will be placed in high-traffic areas, such as the central business hubs of Bright, Mount Beauty and Myrtleford, and in local parks and recreation reserves.
Clearly labelled and positioned alongside existing bins, the baskets are designed to:
- capture more eligible containers through CDS Vic
- reduce contamination in public recycling bins
- lower collection and maintenance costs
- reduce bin fossicking and damage
The rollout builds on a successful pilot across Yarra Ranges, City of Port Phillip and Mornington Peninsula Shire.
The baskets were widely embraced, supporting local fundraising, assisting residents facing cost-of-living pressures, and significantly reducing recyclable containers ending up in landfill.
Audits in Yarra Ranges found a 74 per cent reduction in eligible containers in bins where baskets were installed.
Alpine Shire Mayor, Cr Sarah Nicholas, said the initiative was a simple but effective way to support a more circular economy.
"We're pleased to be partnering with VicReturn to bring this initiative to Alpine Shire and give our community a new way to recycle while they're out and about," Cr Nicholas said.
"These new CDS baskets and rails make it easier for everyone to do their part for the environment while supporting our local community at the same time.
"Instead of eligible containers ending up in landfill or recycling bins, they can now be collected and returned through the Container Deposit Scheme, creating opportunities for community groups and individuals to benefit from the 10-cent refund.
Matt Davis, CEO of scheme coordinator VicReturn, said that while 3 billion drink containers have been returned through CDS Vic since the scheme’s launch in November 2023, the bin baskets will help capture more containers in public spaces, which has been challenging.
“When you’re out and about, look for a CDS Vic bin basket so you can leave your eligible containers for someone else, or take them with you to return at your nearest refund point,” he said.
“Just remember that only eligible CDS Vic drink containers belong in the basket, so look for the 10-cent mark on your empty drink can, bottle, or carton.”
Additional rollouts are planned for other Victorian councils in coming months, particularly in beachside areas and popular tourist spots.
Local 'Over the Counter' CDS refund points can be found at:
- Crispy's Hardware – Bright
- Myrtleford Cycle Centre – Myrtleford
- Settlers Tavern – Tawonga South
For your nearest refund points outside Alpine Shire, visit cdsvic.org.au.