A review into the Container Deposit Scheme has found it to be very popular with Territorians and has increased the number of containers recycled by about a third since its introduction.
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The 2017/18 Container Deposit Scheme annual report was also released this week, showing that $11 million was paid out in refunds - an increase of about $2m on the previous year.
The five year review of the Container Deposit Scheme found that:
- The scheme is effectively reducing beverage container waste and increasing resource recovery, reuse and recycling;
- 83% of those who participated in the review, considers that the scheme is ‘successful’ or ‘very successful’.
- An increasing number of containers sold in the NT are being taken to depots by Territorians when empty (29% in 2012-13 compared to 60% in 2016-17).
- The proportion of beverage container waste in the litter stream fell from 5-10% before the scheme commenced to an average of 3.1% in the years 2012 to 2016.
The review also makes 21 recommendations that the Government will now consider.
Acting Minister for Environment and Natural Resources, Lauren Moss said: “The Territory’s natural environment is one of our greatest assets and a big part of what makes living here so special. It supports our great lifestyle, drives our tourism industry, and supports opportunities for economic development and jobs.
“The Territory’s Container Deposit Scheme – which was introduced by the previous Labor Government - is very popular with Territorians, and the five year review has found that the scheme is effectively reducing beverage container waste and increasing reuse and recycling.
“In the last year alone, 75% of all containers sold in the NT were recycled, reused or appropriately disposed of, and more than $11 million was paid out – this is $11 million into the pockets of community groups and schools and Territorians, and it's $2 million more than the previous year.”
Assistant Minister for War on Waste Paul Kirby said: “The CDS helps to reduce litter from our streets, increases recycling and gets rid of the amount of rubbish being disposed to landfill. Since the CDS began in 2012 more than half a billion containers, have been processed.
“It is also a wonderful way for our community groups, sporting clubs and schools to raise money – in fact, the review found 30% more containers sold in the NT are being taken to depots when empty by Territorians since the scheme began.
“This is good news for our environment and good news for Territorians – particularly schools, community groups and sporting organisations - who get more money in their pockets.”
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