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VICTORIA'S peak local government body has welcomed calls for feedback on the best model for a container-deposit scheme.
A container-deposit scheme sees empty cans, small bottles and cartons can be dropped off at collection points for a refund.
Victoria lacks one but that could change after the state government released a discussion paper calling for thoughts on what kind of model should be chosen.
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The Municipal Association of Victoria says the government is on the right track by proposing the appointment of a network operator independent of the beverage industry, and to incentivise collecting as many containers as possible.
The most important factor in any plan would be how easily people could access collection points, the group's chief executive Kerry Thompson said.
"We need a network operator focused on maximising recovery of containers, which is why we support the split governance model," she said.
"A scheme that is both coordinated and controlled by the beverage industry would be hopelessly conflicted - the incentive to reduce costs by minimising the number of containers recovered would be too great.
"The scheme should also include wine and spirit bottles, and material collected must go back into beverage packaging to achieve a true circular economy.
"Victoria has a great opportunity to learn from the experience of other states and territories and build a [container-deposit scheme] that is the envy of the nation."
Earlier
The Bendigo Sustainability Group is eager to see the state government continue to move towards a circular economy for its Recycling Victoria program.
BSG president Graham Allardice said the planned container-deposit scheme for Victoria was a good step in the direction that needed to be introduced as soon as possible.
"It's good to see (Victoria) catching up with the other states," he said. "It is a good step in the right direction in the 'reduce, reuse, recycle process', which we support," he said. "There's a whole process around what (is being developed) called circular economy. We would like to see that promoted further."
A container-deposit scheme sees empty cans, small bottles and cartons can be dropped off at collection points for a refund. The state government is currently calling for input from Victorian residents on how the container-deposit scheme should work to best to improve the state's recycling system and reduce litter.
It proposes a split responsibility for operation and governance and would allow community groups, charities and sporting clubs to raise funds while also providing businesses a chance to establish collection sites.
"The CDS will reduce waste, provide opportunities for local businesses and community groups and create hundreds of jobs," energy, environment and climate change minister Lily D'Ambrosio said.
"This is an exciting opportunity for all Victorians to play a role in how our new CDS will work to improve our recycling system, cut waste and reduce litter in our environment."
City of Greater Bendigo Manager Resource Recovery and Education Brooke Pearce said the City would welcome a CDS scheme and is looking forward to submitting a response to the discussion paper.
"The Victorian Government has only released the proposed model today and the city will need time to review it," Ms Pearce said
VicRecycle director Jeff Maguire said CDS was a great initiative for Victoria but that a program which prioritises jobs and a level playing field for community groups was needed.
"The Community (Producer Responsibility) Schemes in Queensland and Western Australia are the most transparent, the most cost-efficient, deliver the most jobs and have the greatest benefit for community organisations," he said. "Schemes in QLD and WA are seeing millions of dollars flow through to community organisations, charities and sporting clubs - and hundreds of jobs created."
Mr Maguire said the CDS initiative in NSW prioritises profits for one or a small number of large multinational waste companies and has larger fees for charities.
VicRecycle was established by the beverage industry to support a community-based CDS scheme.
"Victoria needs a scheme that is open to greater participation by small business and local community groups, increases recycling and has benefits that flow through to all Victorian communities," Mr Maguire said.
Mr Allardice agreed the CDS would help increase job opportunities.
"This would be a small part of the whole (recycling) approach in establishing a circular economy where things are reused as much as possible," he said. "It has the potential to create jobs and make it economically (beneficial) but it needs support. Most people are interested in (becoming more sustainable) and we support that.
"(But) the industries that package up our materials also need to take a stronger stand in looking at what they use and how they use packaging. It's a two-pronged approach that needs to occur."
Visit http://engage.vic.gov.au/container-deposit-scheme to have your say.