FOOTT – the local operator of Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme – is encouraging people to return their eligible containers earlier this December, with depots preparing for a significant increase in customers as Christmas approaches.
December 23 was the busiest day across all FOOTT-operated CDS Vic depots in 2024, with more than 222,000 containers processed in a single day.
About 60 per cent of those were returned through the Shepparton depot alone.
FOOTT CDS Vic superintendent Jenna Fraser said the team was getting ready for another big period in the week leading up to Christmas.
“Our depots have very fast counting machines and incredibly hard-working teams, but the demand in the days leading up to Christmas always means queues,” she said.
“We encourage people to return their containers earlier in the month if they can.”
Returns traditionally spike towards the end of December as households clean up before the holidays, cash in cans and bottles for Christmas spending and make use of school holiday time.
Ms Fraser also asked customers to plan ahead and treat the depot team with respect during the busier days.
“December is our busiest time of year, and we appreciate everyone’s patience and courtesy when visiting the depots,” she said.
“It makes a big difference for our hard-working staff and for other customers.”
FOOTT operates four CDS Vic depots, in Shepparton, Benalla, Cobram and Yarrawonga, which are open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 4pm, and closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Returning containers earlier in the month helps customers avoid long wait times and reduces pressure on the system during the busiest week of the year.
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays are typically the quieter days to visit.
