Packaging and recycling giant Visy today announced a $35 million upgrade of its Laverton glass recycling centre, in a clear endorsement of the Andrews Labor Government’s new Container Deposit Scheme (CDS).

The proposed upgrade is expected to create 92 jobs during construction and a further six ongoing positions once completed. It will double the centre’s recycling capacity from 100,000 tonnes of glass each year to 200,000 – that’s the equivalent of 150 glass bottles recycled for every Victorian each year.

Visy’s centre at Laverton currently operates by sorting glass 10mm in size or larger. Once this upgrade is complete, the new facility will be able to sort glass down to 3mm in size – boosting recycling opportunities and diverting even more glass from landfill.

The additional recycled glass will be made into new jars and bottles for Australian food and beverage companies and will be used in asphalt and road base works.

Set to start in 2023, the CDS will maximise the return of used drink cans, bottles and cartons for recycling – reducing Victoria’s litter by up to 50 per cent.

The final design of the CDS – announced yesterday with resounding support from participants during public consultations – was chosen following detailed analysis of schemes operating internationally and interstate to make sure Victoria has the best possible scheme.

People will be able to return cans, bottles and cartons at various locations including shopping centres, drive through collection depots, mobile drop off points for events and community festivals.

Charity, community, and sports groups will also have the option of operating container collection points to raise extra funds.

The Labor Government has invested more than $515 million to deliver the biggest ever transformation and reform of Victoria’s waste and recycling industry encouraging investment and growth in the sector.

A separate glass recycling service is being introduced across the state, increasing Victoria’s ability to recycle glass and reduce contamination in the other recycling streams like paper, cardboard and plastic.

Quote attributable to Acting Premier James Merlino

“Investment like this paves the way for our Container Deposit Scheme to completely transform how we recycle in Victoria – ensuring a glass bottle can become a glass bottle again, and again, and again.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Environment, Energy and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

”Today’s announcement is a clear win for the environment and a great endorsement of the work we’ve done to boost the circular economy, including our proposed CDS.”

“Our open and transparent CDS model is one that supports Victorian manufacturing and will mean more green jobs for Victorians in recycling and manufacturing.”