Western Australians are encouraged to have their say on a proposal to expand our Container Deposit Scheme to make more containers eligible for a 10 cent refund.
The expansion would include:
- wine and spirits in glass bottles;
- wine in plastic containers between 250ml and 3 litres;
- fruit and vegetable juice;
- cordial; and
- flavoured milk between 150ml and 3 litres.
Non-grape wine such as mead as well as plum and peach wine are already included.
The proposal would improve recycling rates and simplify the scheme for WA consumers and businesses, with the aim of a national rollout.
More than 1.76 billion containers have been recycled since Containers for Change was introduced in WA two years ago. It has created 820 jobs, with in excess of $6.5 million donated to over 5,000 community groups, charities and schools.
The recycling rate of beverage containers has soared from 34 per cent to 61 per cent under the scheme.
It's estimated the proposal would see an extra 140 million containers available for collection each year. This equates to an additional $14 million in refunds for consumers, charities and community groups.
To read the discussion paper and have your say, visit https://www.wa.gov.au/service/building-utilities-and-essential-services/waste-management/container-deposit-scheme by 1 May 2023.
As stated by Environment Minister Reece Whitby:
"Western Australians have truly embraced Containers for Change, and we're excited to explore this next step to take our recycling rates to another level.
"We're offering an extended consultation period to ensure all affected producers, including wine makers and distillers, have the opportunity to have their say.
"Expanding the scheme would see an extra $14 million in refunds go back into the community, further rewarding those working hard to create change."
As stated by WA Return Recycle Renew Ltd CEO Tim Cusack:
"A recent survey found Containers for Change is the most positively perceived recycling program in WA, and it's exciting to see the scheme go from strength to strength.
"Container Deposit Schemes have unique benefits. Separating glass and keeping it contaminant free provides a high quality product that can be recycled back into bottles.
"It's great to see Western Australians continuing to make a real difference, while improving their recycling habits."
