WA to introduce a container deposit scheme

The Western Australian Government has announced its intention to introduce a container deposit scheme (CDS) for drink bottles and cans, expected to commence mid-2018.

Under the scheme, consumers will be able to get a 10-cent refund on empty drink containers ranging in size from 150 mL to 3 L. The refund will be available from reverse vending machines and collection depots at parks, beaches and other public spaces across Western Australia.

Currently, drink containers comprise 13.2% of Western Australia’s litter stream. Premier Colin Barnett noted that this litter is not only unsightly, “but can cause environmental harm”.

“With a 10-cent refund available, there is a greater incentive to recycle as everyone can benefit from doing the right thing,” he said.

The scheme targets containers normally consumed outside the home, such as beer cans and bottles, soft drinks, bottled water, small flavoured milk drinks, sports drinks and spirit-based mixed drinks. Domestically consumed drink containers, such as wine and spirit bottles, milk containers and juice containers, will be excluded.

WA Environment Minister Albert Jacob said he had been “persuaded by the success of schemes in other states and territories”, with CDS originator South Australia having higher recycling rates and less beverage container litter than any other state. The Queensland Government last month announced its own CDS, also due to start in 2018, which may be administered in conjunction with the upcoming NSW scheme (due to commence in July 2017).

“[The WA scheme] will benefit charities, sporting groups and community groups by allowing them to profit by participating in large-scale recycling activities,” said Jacob. “It’s a win for the environment, jobs, the community and the recycling industry.”

The news has been welcomed by Waste Management Association of Australia (WMAA) CEO Martin Tolar, who said the new scheme signifies one more step towards the national harmonisation of the waste and resource recovery industry.

“This announcement continues the work towards a truly national approach to a container deposit scheme and is a timely reminder to other jurisdictions who are yet to consider a CDS,” said Tolar.

“I encourage the Western Australian Government to work with its NSW, Queensland and South Australian counterparts to align the state schemes to a single framework.”