Brian Stewart has been collecting and recycling cans for more than half his life.
But it’s only in the past 12 months that he’s been able to make money from his hobby.
Every week, the 63-year-old hops on his bike, a converted can trailer, and rides the streets of Camperdown, south-west Victoria, scouring local bins and collection points.
Once the trailer is full, he stores his winnings in old wool bales before loading them into the ute and taking them to a vending machine in Terran, about a 20-minute drive away.
“I’ve always collected cans,” Stewart said.
“There’s good money in them — it’s probably undervalued.”
Mr. Stewart and the caravan. (ABC Southwest Vic: Daniel Miles)
On his first day depositing cans into the Victorian Government’s Container Deposit System, he raised $400 with a 10 cent rebate for each eligible container.
Since then, Stewart has raised more than $10,000 in 12 months. This is a product of over 100,000 bottles and cans.
We had enough money to buy a new caravan.
“This is money,” he said, standing proudly in front of his new purchase.
Brian Stewart and the caravan he bought with Container Deposit Scheme money. (ABC Southwest Vic: Daniel Miles)
progress report
It has been 12 months since the Victorian Government introduced the Container Deposit Scheme.
The Arran government launched this program with the lofty goal of diverting 80 per cent of material from landfill by 2030.
Within one year, over 900 million eligible containers were sent through the system, resulting in $90 million in rewards.
A state government spokesperson said around one in three containers were returned and recycled through the scheme.
But those who run the program on behalf of the government in the western part of the state believe there is room for growth.
Tony Catania is the General Manager of TOMRA Cleanaway. (ABC Southwest Vic: Daniel Miles)
“So far, 10 cents is a very good starting base, but in the future we hope to be able to increase that amount over time,” said Tony Catania, general manager of TOMRA, a container recycling organization. ” he said.
“My understanding is that in Europe, the return or refund rate is approximately the equivalent of 40 cents.
“It might be a little ambitious right now, but if we can do a little bit better than 10 cents in the future, that would be a great start.”
However, the state government said the current repayment amount is fixed and any increase “needs to be considered at a national level”.
Jim Rounds, CEO of BigReturn, the company managing the program on behalf of the government, was less diplomatic.
“Increasing deposit amounts is not being considered at this time,” Rounds said.
Passing score only
Trevor Thornton is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Life and Environmental Sciences at Deakin University.
He said the plan should be given a passing grade in the first year, but it’s only a passing grade.
“I would give them a C-minus,” Dr. Thornton said.
Trevor Thornton believes there is room for improvement in Victoria’s container deposit system. (ABC News: Scott Jewell)
He said there were some problems with the plan, but it improved over time.
Dr Thornton said restrictions on what bottles would be considered eligible remained an issue.
“We have an opportunity to truly lead the country,” Dr. Thornton said.
“And now other states are also trying to include (wine bottles). We would have known about it. Why didn’t we go down that path in the first place?”
“If I had done that, I would have been tempted to give (the plan) an A.”
But Mr Round said such bottles were not included as they were more appropriate to be recycled at home curbside.
“The containers currently eligible for refunds are those most commonly found as litter on roads, beaches, waterways and parks across Victoria,” he said.
“These are the types of beverage containers you consume when you’re on the go or away from home.”
Mr. Stewart has a few things to do before the caravan is ready to go. (ABC Southwest Vic: Daniel Miles)
pedal to metal
Even back in Camperdown, Stewart hasn’t stopped collecting.
One of his biggest days of the year is Camperdown Cup Day in mid-January, when he used to collect eight bales full of cans and bottles from thirsty race participants.
“Everyone in town knows me,” Stewart said with a laugh.
Brian Stewart has spent more than half his life collecting and recycling cans. (ABC News: Daniel Miles)
After that, we will go straight to Yambuku and do some fishing.
Once a few minor electrical issues are resolved, it will be his new caravan’s maiden trip.
“The first time[Caravan]hooked up the fuse in the house, it blew, so we had an electrician come and look at it,” Stewart said.
Mr Stewart’s caravan has logged significant mileage with its previous owner. (ABC Southwest Vic: Daniel Miles)
The van itself runs well. The map inside the door shows a journey around Australia.
But Stewart said he would be happy to remove it once the wiring is fixed.
Once that’s done, just pack your dog, esky, and tackle box and go fishing.
Some spots may collect cans just for fun.
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