The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation has invited the public to have its say on a proposal to expand the Container Deposit Scheme to make more containers eligible for a 10¢ refund.
The expansion would include wine and spirits in glass bottles; wine in plastic containers between 250ml and three litres; fruit and vegetable juice; cordial, and flavoured milk between 150ml and three litres.
Non-grape wine, such as mead as well as plum and peach wine, are already included.
In a statement, the Department said the proposal would improve recycling rates and simplify the scheme for consumers and businesses.
“More than 1.76 billion containers have been recycled since Containers for Change was introduced in WA two years ago,” the Department said.
“It has created 820 jobs, with in excess of $6.5 million donated to more than 5,000 community groups, charities and schools,” it said.
“The recycling rate of beverage containers has soared from 34 per cent to 61 per cent under the scheme.”
The Department estimated the proposal would see an extra 140 million containers available for collection each year, equalling an additional $14 million in refunds for consumers, charities and community groups.
Minister for the Environment, Reece Whitby said Western Australians had embraced Containers for Change, and this next step could take recycling rates to another level.
“We’re offering an extended consultation period to ensure all affected producers, including wine makers and distillers, have the opportunity to have their say,” Mr Whitby said.
A discussion paper and information on making a submission by 1 May 2023 can be accessed at this PS News link.
