Mandurah MP David Templeman welcomes container rebate scheme

Announced by Environmant Minister Stephen Dawson on Monday, the scheme aims to help prevent waste from going into landfill, as well as create new jobs for Western Australians.

Mr Templeman said every 10,000 tonnes of waste recycled would create 9.2 full-time jobs, compared to 2.8 jobs when the same amount of waste is put into landfill.

Under the scheme, consumers would be able to get a 10 cent refund on all eligible beverage containers (which includes plastic and glass bottles, paper-board cartons, and steel and aluminium cans with a capacity between 150 mililitres and 3 litres).

The state government released the Western Australian Container Deposit Scheme Discussion Paper for comment earlier this year and sought feedback on its design.

Mr Templeman said the government planned to publish its response to the discussion paper in the new year.

“The introduction of a container deposit scheme in WA is a great step forward for our state,” he said.

“This scheme will deliver environmental and economic benefits to WA through a reduction in the volume of waste going into landfill, and the creation of local jobs.

“I am very proud that the McGowan Government is delivering on this commitment.”

Mr Dawson said 3000 people across the state had responded to to the public consultation.

He said 97 per cent of survey respondents supported the scheme citing protecting the environment and reducing litter as the most important benefits, followed by an increase in recycling.

“The ideas and comments received will contribute to the overall planning for the scheme here in Western Australia,” he said.

“The government is now working closely with industry which has experience with the design and implementation of similar container deposit schemes in New South Wales and Queensland.

“Retailers and beverage suppliers are major stakeholders in the scheme and it is important that the scheme is designed to minimise impacts to these industries.”