Greens force action on drink container deposits - 22 May 2009

Greens politicians have cautiously welcomed today's announcement of a national process to examine container deposit legislation (CDL).

"The Environment Protection and Heritage Council has announced a community attitude survey on preparedness to pay for a container deposit scheme," said Colleen Hartland

“I would rather have seen a commitment to a container deposit scheme announced today than yet more ‘looking into it’”, says Ian Cohen. “There is already the perfect case study – South Australia – where recycling is over 80% compared to NSW 38% and community groups like the Scouts are making millions of dollars from running recycling centres. “

"This is a face-saver for the State and Federal Governments. They are facing Greens Bills on drink container deposit legislation in Victoria, New South Wales and in the Senate,” says Colleen Harltand.
“The EPHC needs a reason to placate Australians who want container deposit scheme, yet independent polls already show that 96% of people already support the scheme,” says Ian Cohen.

“A container deposit scheme will save ratepayers tens of millions of dollars a year. In terms of greenhouse gas emissions, the national scheme will be the equivalent of taking 140,000 cars off the road and slash our greenhouse gas emissions by 1.3 million tonnes a year,” says Senator Ludlam.
“It’s easy - people buy a drink with the 10c deposit included and get their deposit back. For those who don’t return the containers, the 10 cents helps fund scheme administration – the polluter pays. It’s a closed circle and everybody wins,” says Ian Cohen.


Contact:
Robert Simms for Scott Ludlam 0417 174 302
Catherine Coorey for Ian Cohen: 0402 315 345
Liz Ingham for Colleen Hartland: 0409 333 595