Cash for trash is back with a new launch date announced for Western Australia's container deposit scheme.
Containers for Change, which will allow West Australians to claim a 10-cent refund when they return eligible beverage containers, will commence on October 1.
The scheme was originally scheduled to begin on June 2 but was delayed due to the unprecedented impact of COVID-19 and the expected disruption to refund points.
A decision on the new launch date was expected to be made in August but the countdown came early.
Western Australians have been telling us they are ready and willing to get involved in a cash for cans scheme, they want to recycle right and they want to ensure less beverage containers end up in landfill.
- Environment Minister Stephen Dawson
"An October launch date strikes the right balance between keeping people safe and ensuring the sustainability of the network," Environment Minister Stephen Dawson said.
A multi-million dollar assistance package has also been confirmed by the state government to support network participants financially impacted by the deferral of the scheme. Up to $3.5 million will be used to ensure they remain viable until the scheme launches.