Western Australia’s container deposit scheme is to begin on 1 October, paving the way for reduced litter, improved recycling rates, and the creation of new businesses and employment opportunities across the State.
Entitled Containers for Change, the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) estimates the scheme will create more than 500 jobs at refund points across the State, including hundreds to be targeted at employing people with disability, the long-term unemployed and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, as well as opportunities for apprentices and trainees.
It said Containers for Change would allow Western Australians to claim a 10c refund when they returned eligible beverage containers at designated refund points across the State.
Minister for the Environment, Stephen Dawson said the announcement included a financial assistance package of up to $3.5 million to support network participants financially impacted by deferral of the scheme.
“In preparation for the scheme, participants made financial commitments such as taking on leases, staff and technology to support their operations,” Mr Dawson said.
“An October launch date strikes the right balance between keeping people safe and ensuring the sustainability of the network.”
The Minister said DWER was getting on with the job of making sure the scheme delivered the best possible outcomes for all Western Australians.
