Victoria's New Bin Design Boosts Recycling

0:00From Sydney, this is your March 15th update. Victoria's container deposit scheme lets people return empty drink bottles and cans for a 10-sen refund each. New vertical slots on public bins across Melbourne now make it easier and safer for collectors to grab those items without digging through trash. These add on separate recyclables from general waste right from the start. The scheme kicked off in 2023, and almost 3 billion containers have been returned statewide so far. 19-year-old Zach Foxwill turns collecting into a side hustle alongside his council job. He scour streets, creeks, and bins twice a week documenting his halls on social media. Zach has redeemed over 67,000 containers, pocketing around $6,700. He sets yearly goals, like 50,000 this year, to stay motivated, but the work comes with cuts from glass and close calls with needles in the bins. Brisbane Group Ben Bypass created these vertical units after earlier basket designs got clogged with junk.

1:01They're now partnering with 34 councils about half of Victoria's areas for installs in parks, transport hubs, and high traffic spots. More roll-outs hid beaches and tourist areas by year's end. Officials say public spaces are still tough for capturing returns, and contamination like coffee cups in bins slows things down. Better awareness could help, and innovators hope these units push people toward proper habits until they're not needed at all. Quick thanks to today's sponsor. See the description for more. When you want calm, do not reach for your phone. Lay back and listen. S-O-L-I-S-O-L-Pillow.com