A cash-for-cans and bottles scheme to combat Victoria’s recycling and waste crisis will be introduced by the state government.

Victoria had been the only state or territory in Australia without a container deposit scheme or a plan to introduce one, but government insiders have confirmed an announcement is imminent.

A container deposit scheme would cost $9 million over four years, but could draw revenue of more than $200 million,

The reward program collects drink bottles and cans from commercial industry and consumers, who could recoup 10¢ per drink by returning containers to a drop-off point.

The scheme will be made public within the month, but it won’t be operational until 2023.