MEMBERS of the Hamilton Bowling Club (HBC) have been enjoying the benefits of a new green thanks to Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS).

West Zone operator, TOMRA Cleanaway installed a Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) at the HBC in November last year which has encouraged the members to work together to raise funds for the club through the scheme.

Since then, close to two million eligible containers have been returned through the RVM in a total of 26,000 transactions.

HBC member, Russell Sherren said it has meant they don’t need to rely on traditional fundraising methods, like raffles, that aren’t always an easy sell.

“This has really been an easy way for us to work together as a club and raise the funds we need,” he said.

“We find that members of the community are happy to give us their empty cans and bottles because it means their bins aren’t as full and they are also supporting us.”

Every Tuesday, Mr Sherren and two other HBC members have emptied bags of bottles and cans into the RVM that members have dropped throughout the week – “within an hour we’ve put in about 80 to 100 dollars’ worth and it’s another excuse to have a coffee together afterwards,” he said.

 “I have also noticed there aren’t as many cans and stubbies on the roadside since the scheme started.

“I think everyone should get on board – it’s easy money and a bit of fun,” he said.

The club initially set themselves a target to raise $2000 this year and have already reached $5500.

The HBC also receives lease money from TOMRA Cleanaway for renting the organisation space in their carpark to situate the RVM which has additionally assisted the club in their recent purchases.

 “We’ve got a new green and we’ve purchased a new set of white and yellow jacks … we’ve got our eye on a few other projects – like a new microphone so we can go indoors and outdoors with it,” Mr Sherren said.

Regional Victoria has embraced the CDS and are currently making about 40 per cent of the total scheme return in Victoria.

VicReturn chief executive officer, Jim Round said it was a mighty feat, “considering regional Victoria is only 20 to 25 per cent of the (Victorian) population.

“We’ve just been blown away by how well the CDS (in rural Victoria) has gone and how much the communities are embracing it,” he said.

 “We think that’s because of community organisations like this one – people just want to support their local charities and their local community organisations.

 “One of the really nice things about it is looking at all these not-for-profit organisations using the scheme to fundraise for themselves.

“Obviously we know the scheme’s great for our environment – it means less litter on our streets, parks and waterways … it’s great for punters who get their 10 cents per container, but it’s also great for community organisations like the bowls club who can make some cash.

 “I know Russell is really excited about it and has pulled in quite a bit of cash for his club which is fantastic.”