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After extensive consultation the Queensland Government will launch a Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) to help encourage recycling and clean up the environment. The Palaszczuk Government has confirmed the initiative will start in 2018.
Queensland has one the lowest rates of recycling in the country and this move will no doubt be seen as a solid attempt to turn that record around.
Working in cooperation with the NSW Government, the aim is to create a single-scheme so that state borders do not reduce the effectiveness of the CDS.
Queensland and New South Wales had entered into high-level talks about setting up a single-scheme administrator.
Queensland Environment Minister Dr Steven Miles said, “We want a seamless system that’s good for the environment and friendly for business. No one wants an outcome where the rules that apply to a bottle of soft drink sold at Tweed Heads, are different to the one you buy at the Gold Coast.
“A single administrator could cover both states to deliver the highest level of efficiency and effectiveness.
“We will work closely with the Baird Liberal Government of NSW to deliver a CDS in both states.”
Dr Miles said he welcomed LNP support for Labor’s CDS plan.
“Labor committed to investigate a cash for containers-style scheme at the last election, because litter is a real concern for so many Queenslanders and we have one of the lowest recycling rates in the country.
Dr Miles said there was considerable industry and community support for a container deposit scheme.
“A 2015 NewsPoll showed 86 per cent of Queenslanders wanted a container deposit scheme,” he said.
“South Australia has had a similar scheme since the 1970s, the Northern Territory introduced one in 2011 and New South Wales will introduce their scheme next year.
“We are looking at aligning our scheme with NSW, where people will be able to take empty drink containers to a collection depot, or place it in a reverse vending machine to receive a 10-cent refund.
“In NSW, most drinks sold in containers between 150ml and three litres will be included – with eligible containers to be clearly marked.
“Plain milk, pure juice and wine containers are not included in the scheme,” he said.
And with National Litter Index figures showing Queensland continues to be the most littered mainland state in Australia, the announcement was welcomed by recycling advocacy group, Boomerang Alliance.
Queensland Manager, Toby Hutcheon said: “In Queensland, we use over 2.4 billion bottles and cans every year. Most of these are wasted in landfill or littered.
“In South Australia, which has a CDS, over 80 per cent of bottles and cans are recycled.
“Container Deposit Schemes operate in over 40 jurisdictions around the world. CDS are proven to slash litter rates, dramatically increase recycling, create hundreds of jobs in collection and re-processing and provide a financial boost to community organisations.
“It is estimated that community organisation in Queensland could share in over $25 million every year from deposits and handling fees,’’ he said.
