Revealed: Beverage Industry Secret Anti Container Deposit Plan in WA

Thursday, 06 July 2006 20:22

The industry plan called, ‘Project Jet’, released by the Boomerang Aliance today, aims to undermine the West Australian Government’s program and neutralise community support.

“It’s certainly a find for us as we now know what the industry is up to.  We aren’t going to fall for the industry tactics of stalling and injecting misleading information and are determined to engage in an intelligent debate on the best way to introduce container deposits.  Industry is trying to avoid responsibility for the waste it creates and is seeking to sabotage the effective introduction of container deposits.  We call on the West Australian government to reject the industry plan,” said Jeff Angel, Director of Total Environment Centre.

“For thirty years the beverage and packaging industry have fought against deposits on cans and bottles being introduced in states beyond South Australia, despite the fact South Australia recycles more than double the amount of containers than any other state and has far less litter,” said Ian Kiernan, Chairman Clean Up Australia.

“WA could have clean parks and waterways and the highest rates of recycling in Australia.  The Newspoll shows the community are willing to play their part in achieving this. It’s about time Coca-Cola and other companies in the industry accepted that they and container deposits also have a big role,” said Sue Graham-Taylor, Vice President Conservation Council WA.

The Project Jet document outlines a plan to replace a successful container deposit scheme with the failed voluntary approach.  It seeks to advance the industry position, including through - pilot programs to slow down implementation; alliances with retailers, waste management providers and some councils; advocacy to senior decision makers; and a ‘time to talk’ strategy to neuter community groups, through the new Packaging Stewardship Forum. (Copies of the leaked industry plan available from Total Environment Centre).

The Boomerang Alliance also welcomed the appointment of technical consultant Dave West, with a specific expertise in the environment and economic benefits of waste programs, to be based in WA to assist the community groups and government with its inquiry into a best practice CDL model.