Western Australia’s container deposit scheme is one step closer after the Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Bill (Container Deposit) 2018 was passed by the Legislative Council today.
The new legislation is a significant milestone towards delivering the McGowan Government’s election commitment of a container deposit scheme by 2020.
Under the new scheme, WA consumers will receive a 10 cent refund when they return eligible empty beverage containers to refund points throughout the State.
Projections show the container deposit scheme will result in 706 million fewer beverage containers littered by 2037 and reduce the number of containers disposed of to landfill by 5,902 million.
The next major step – following establishment of applicable relevant regulations – will be the announcement of the scheme co-ordinator who will be responsible for developing the State-wide collection network and managing contracts with operators of refund points.
As noted by Environment Minister Stephen Dawson:
“Protecting WA’s unique natural environment, reducing waste and encouraging recycling in the community are priorities of this Government.
“Not only will our container deposit scheme divert waste from landfill, it is expected to create some 500 jobs – at new container sorting and processing facilities and refund points, and the transportation of containers across the State.
“I’m confident the scheme will not only reduce litter and increase recycling throughout WA, but provide business opportunities for social enterprises and help charities and community organisations raise money to fund vital community work.
“This new scheme is a win for the environment and a win for our local economy.”
