Legislation to establish a container deposit scheme has been introduced into State Parliament, marking a significant milestone towards delivering the McGowan Government’s election commitment.
Western Australia’s scheme is expected to start in early 2020, aiming to reduce littering and boost recycling throughout the State.
The new scheme will be aligned with those in other Australian jurisdictions – providing a 10 cent refund for all eligible beverage containers including soft drink cans and bottles, bottled water containers and flavoured milk cartons. The returned containers must be recycled or reused.
Projections show the scheme will result in 706 million fewer beverage containers littered over the next 20 years, and reduce the number of containers sent to landfill by 5.9 billion.
During the same period, it is expected that WA’s container scheme is expected to deliver net positive benefits of about $152 million.
This container deposit scheme is part of the McGowan Government’s strong commitment to waste reduction – which includes the ban on lightweight single-use plastic bags, which has already been introduced, and a review of the State’s waste strategy.
As noted by Premier Mark McGowan:
“Western Australians have been supportive of a scheme and this was evident when more than 3,000 people got behind the public consultation period.
“The introduction of this legislation to Parliament marks a major milestone in bringing a container deposit scheme to Western Australia.
“Not only will we be diverting waste from landfill, this scheme is likely to create as many as 500 jobs as part of the new container sorting and processing facilities, and refund points across the State.
“Protecting WA’s unique natural environment and reducing waste in the community are priorities of this Government.”
As noted by Environment Minister Stephen Dawson:
“I’m confident our container deposit scheme here in WA will reduce litter and increase recycling.
“It will also be designed to provide business opportunities for social enterprises and help charities and community organisations raise money to fund vital community work.
“This scheme will be a win for the environment and a win for the local economy.
“Western Australians are overwhelmingly supportive of a container deposit scheme in this State, and the McGowan Government remains committed to bringing the scheme into operation in 2020.”
