THE Kyabram Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) recently celebrated its first birthday on Saturday, November 9, days before hitting the milestone achievement of collecting their one-millionth container.
Launched in November 2023, the CDS has made a substantial impact on Kyabram’s environmental efforts and community, transforming waste into opportunity. In total, more than 100,000 kilograms of recyclable material have been diverted from landfill, with $100,000 returned to the community through refunds, job creation, and support for local causes.
Starting with just seven bins, the CDS now has nearly five times that number, thanks to the tremendous support from Kyabram residents. Local groups like Kyabram Blue Light and Kyabram Scouts have raised funds by running the scheme over weekends, while the ‘What We Can Do’ group has been able to consistently fundraise through weekly Wednesday operations.
Kaz Palmer, CDS Manager from the Kyabram Community & Learning Centre (KCLC), shared her pride in the project’s success. “Reaching one million containers is a significant milestone for us,” she said. “It’s more than a recycling initiative; it’s a community effort that provides opportunities for employment, volunteering, and bringing people together.”
Inclusivity is a key focus of the CDS, aligning with KCLC’s mission to provide a welcoming space for everyone. The scheme has created meaningful job opportunities for people with disabilities, who have been able to build skills and make a positive impact in their community.
In recognition of its achievements, Kyabram CDS was recently announced as a finalist for the Tidy Town Awards, celebrating its commitment to sustainability.
The birthday celebration was a great success, drawing community members together to reflect on the first year’s accomplishments and look ahead to further milestones. As the CDS looks to the future, the focus remains on growing its positive impact, both environmentally and within the community.
