The City of Perth is proud to announce its involvement in the State Government’s Container Deposit Scheme as the first capital city refund point in Australia.
Launched on 1 October, ‘Containers for Change’ is a new state-wide container deposit scheme allowing the community to cash in eligible beverage containers for 10-cents each.
Regulated by Western Australia Return, Recycle, Renew Ltd (WARRRL), the scheme is intended to improve recycling efforts, reduce litter and decrease waste to landfill, whilst creating employment and social enterprise opportunities across the state.
“This project is a unique opportunity for the City of Perth to reinforce our leadership in sustainability, community capacity building and resource management,” City of Perth Chair Commissioner Andrew Hammond said.
“This is one more step in the City’s journey towards waste education. Returning eligible containers for refund provides community incentive and in turn lowers litter rates, reduces contamination in recycling and ultimately ensures higher rates of recycling within our city boundaries.”
WARRRL Chief Executive Officer Tim Cusack said the scheme would give Western Australians a chance to make a real difference to the community and the environment and earn some money while doing it.
“I’m delighted the City of Perth is leading the way in becoming the first capital city refund point,” he said.
To assist in the scheme, the City of Perth will manage the ongoing operation of two permanent container refund points in City-owned carparks, supporting the employment of people living with disability and the long-term unemployed.
The City of Perth Aberdeen Street Depot (6b Aberdeen Street) is the first capital city refund point in Australia, while City of Perth’s Roe Street Reverse Vending Machine will be installed at a later date.
Reverse vending machines ultimately accept drink containers from users, providing them with an immediate refund.
To prepare the community for the ability to return and recycle their containers for a 10-cent refund, the City is encouraging visitors and residents to sign up for a and to collect eligible containers for deposit.
Most aluminium, glass, plastic, steel and liquid paperboard beverage containers between 150ml and 3L are eligible for a refund.
The public can find WA’s refund points at .
