Recycling messages in a bottle

The reverse vending machine at Scienceworks. (Supplied)

Primary school students can lend their voice to an interactive message in a bottle installation at Scienceworks until September 20.

The installation is being created to mark the first anniversary of the launch of Victoria’s container deposit scheme (CDS) and to showcase the importance of recycling.

It will be on display at Scienceworks from November 1 until January 27.

Primary school students are being encouraged to share a message about why recycling is important. Selected submissions will be included in the installation as a message in a bottle, with visitors to Scienceworks able to read students’ responses as part of the display.

The message in a bottle installation will showcase the recycling process of PET plastic bottles and will be made from recyclable materials that will either be processed into new products, or repurposed at the end of the exhibition.

VicReturn chief executive Jim Round said the CDS is proud to be launching this installation to raise awareness and encourage recycling in the state.

“We’ve already seen kids get excited about returning their eligible drink containers – from watching the containers go into the reverse vending machines and onto conveyor belts at depots, to getting pocket money they can put towards something they would like to buy,” he said.

“Now we’re focusing on ensuring kids and families understand the value of a circular economy and recycling.”

More than 750 million containers have been returned across the state since the CDS launched on November 1, 2023.

Details: cdsvic.org.au/message-in-a-bottle