The ACT Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) is celebrating its 7th birthday including seven years of success that has resulted in nearly 400 million bottles, cans and cartons being returned through the return point network. In exciting news for the ACT community, four new drop and go pods will soon open, making it even easier for Canberrans to recycle their drink containers and earn a 10c refund for every eligible bottle, can and carton they return.         

 The first two new pods are located at:

• Gordon district playing field, number 2 carpark off Heidelberg Street (behind the Lanyon Vikings Club) in Conder
• Richardson neighbourhood oval carpark in May Gibbs Close, Richardson.

The self-service drop and go pods will go-live in the week commencing 7 July and will be open from 7am to 7pm, seven days a week. Two more drop and go pods will be located in Kaleen and Dickson and are expected to launch in mid-July. The four new drop and go pods will bring the number of return points in ACT to 22, including reverse-vending machines, cash-back depots, drop and go points and donation stations. Danielle Smalley, CEO of ACT CDS scheme coordinator Exchange for Change, says the strong success of the scheme is a sign the ACT is embracing sustainability more than ever.                                           “It is incredible to see the strong enthusiasm from the ACT community for the scheme, with 90 per cent of residents in support of the scheme and 7 out of 10 having participated. In seven short years, the scheme has resulted in nearly $40 million in container refunds back in people’s pockets, helping people save for a special goal, family holidays and everyday expenses.” Smalley commeted “In addition to the economic benefits, the ACT CDS is delivering strong social and environmental benefits. It is an increasingly popular fundraising stream for ACT charities and not-for-profits all while ensuring bottles, cans and cartons don’t end up in landfill and instead, are recycled into new containers and other products.”        

Marc Churchin, CEO of ACT CDS network operator Return-It, says they’re excited to expand the ACT CDS return point network.                     “We’re thrilled to launch four new drop and go pods and make drink container recycling even more accessible for the community. Every bottle, can and carton returned is a positive step towards reducing litter and landfill, and building a more sustainable future,” Mr Churchin commented.  The ACT CDS is an ACT Government initiative delivered in partnership with scheme coordinator Exchange for Change and network operator Return-It. The scheme is an example of extended producer responsibility and is funded by the beverage industry.