Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme refund points are open in Horsham, Stawell, Ararat, Dimboola, Murtoa, Warracknabeal, Rainbow, Nhill, Kaniva and Edenhope.

Horsham business AXIS Worx Supported Employment started collecting cans and bottles on Wedneday.

The scheme allows people to return eligible drink cans, bottles and cartons for a 10-cent refund.

Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos said the scheme would maximise the number of cans, bottles and cartons being recycled into new products and keep them out of landfills.

“Our new Container Deposit Scheme is now open, which will reduce the amount of litter in Victoria by up to half - contributing to a more sustainable future while putting money back in the pockets of hardworking Victorians,” he said.

VicReturn is the scheme coordinator, while zone operators will establish and oversee refund points and refunds to customers, as well as ensure proper recycling of the containers.

TOMRA Cleanaway is overseeing points in the Wimmera and within nine months will be required to have a minimum of at least one collection point in towns of 750 people in regional areas, and at least one in towns of 350 people in remote areas.

Reverse vending machines, depots, over-the-counter sites, and pop-up refund points are the four ways people can return eligible containers. D

epending on the type of refund point, people can choose whether to receive the refund in cash, a retail voucher, or electronically.

Victorians can also choose to donate their refund to a charity or community organisation registered with the scheme. More information about the scheme and a map of refund points is available at cdsvic.org.au