26 June, 2013
Minister Parker shows leadership on container deposit legislation
The Nature Conservation Council of NSW has praised NSW Environment Robyn Parker for leading the push within the O’Farrell government for the introduction of a national 10c container deposit levy to increase rates of recycling and reduce waste and littering. [1]
“A container deposit levy is a very effective way of achieving high return rates, as South Australia has demonstrated for so long now,” Nature Conservation Council Campaigns Director Kate Smolski said.
“Ms Parker should be applauded for taking the lead on this issue and for taking the fight up to some powerful industry interests who are resisting this important reform at every opportunity.
“Ms Parker’s decision to support the scheme is not only a good environmental policy - it enjoys broad public support.
“A recent Newspoll found 86 per cent of people surveyed favoured the introduction of a deposit and refund scheme for bottles and cans.” [2]
Ms Smolski said an independent study for the NSW Local Government Association (2012) found councils could be $183 million better off because of savings associated with waste management and litter reduction.
Other studies have found recycling rates under these schemes could rise to more than 95 per cent and lead to dramatic falls in litter and plastic pollution, and would be a massive boost for the recycling industry.
The Boomerang Alliance [3], a national coalition of national and state environment groups of which NCC is a part, has reported that companies expect to invest $500 million dollars and create 3000 jobs in Australia if cash for containers goes national.
“A national scheme would significantly lift our recycling rates, substantially reduce litter, create new jobs and support hundreds of new convenient drop-off centres,” she said. “It’s a win-win proposal.”
[1] www.dailytelegraph.com.au/money/money-matters/nsw-push-for-10c-per-bottle-levy/story-fni0ctl0-1226669744486
[2] http://www.boomerangalliance.org.au/images/pdfs/Newspoll_June2013_NSWQLDVIC.pdf
[3] http://www.boomerangalliance.org.au/cash-for-containers/cash-media/125-key-points-for-lobbying.html
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