The Boomerang Alliance has welcomed the decision by Queensland’s local governments to support a container deposit scheme (CDS) for cans and bottles, subject to a number of conditions. A motion at the recent LGAQ Conference in Toowoomba backed a motion of support by a majority of 166 to 5.
“This is a major step forward for our campaign against plastic and container litter, said Toby Hutcheon, Qld Manager of the Boomerang Alliance ‘Whilst many regional councils have long supported container deposits, this year a vast majority, including Brisbane City Council, have added their support.’
Councils have backed container deposits subject to a number of conditions. These include no negative impact on existing kerbside recycling services, full consultation, councils being able to collect unredeemed deposits and the opportunity to participate in collection schemes if they desire.
‘We are confident that an effective and modern CDS will deliver on all those requirements and give council and the community a financial boost as well as creating hundreds of jobs. We look forward to working with the government, councils and other stakeholders to develop the best CDS for Queensland and ironing out any transitional issues. ’
The State Government is currently investigating a CDS that could join up with NSW. Both states will be releasing public discussion papers in the next few months. A CDS involves the charging of a 10 cents deposit on all cans and bottles sold. The deposit is returned when containers are returned for recycling.
Experience from States such as South Australia show that the scheme slashes litter and dramatically increases recycling. The scheme is also a boon for community groups interested in collecting containers. “We estimate Queensland charities could earn over $40m a year.”
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