Container Deposit Scheme and changes to waste and recycling services

In 2021, the Victorian Government Legislated that household waste recycling be standardised across the State.

Consistent separation of household waste will reduce waste to landfill and increase recycling. It will also increase the quality of recycled material produced for reuse.

All Victorian households will get access to services for four waste and recycling streams. This includes separate streams for glass, food organics and garden organics (FOGO), mixed recyclables and household rubbish.

This will be a staged approach over several years.

The main change for Indigo Shire residents will be the introduction of a separate glass recycling system and we're currently determining how and when that will be provided to best meet community needs.

Check back here for updates.

For more information, you can also check the Victorian Government's website.

Container Deposit Scheme

On 1 November 2023 Victoria’s container deposit scheme, CDS Vic, commenced.

Visy has proposed up to six earn and return refund points within Indigo Shire, with the first ‘over the counter’ operator appointed in Rutherglen.

The scheme will increase the recycling of drink cans, bottles and cartons and reduce Victoria’s litter by up to half.

A 10c refund will be provided for all eligible returned containers and residents will be able to keep the refund or nominate a charity or community group to receive the refund.

To find out more information on eligible drink containers and your nearest refund point, visit the CDS Vic website.

A variety of recycling opportunities are available to residents including: reverse vending machines, depot drop off points, over the counter and collection drives.

Charities, sporting clubs, community groups and businesses can benefit from the scheme by receiving refunds, running collection drives or operating drop off points by expressing interest through Visy (Northern Victoria’s scheme Operator).