Litter Study Highlights Need for Container Deposits, Shames Coca-Cola

Thursday, 25 September 2008 20:34

“It’s no surprise that South Australia has again comprehensively trumped the other states on litter. The key difference: South Australia has refundable deposits on drink containers – which also helps save an enormous amount of resources and reduce greenhouse pollution,” said Jeff Angel, TEC director.

“It’s ironic that one of the most vociferous opponents of a proven, successful policy to reduce litter is the worst performing brand: Coca-Cola the most littered brand, comprising almost 10% of all litter.”

“These results support the urgent need for Australian governments to follow South Australia’s lead. Currently, in all states except South Australia, councils are shouldering the cost for collection and disposal of this waste.”

The Keep Australia Beautiful Branded Litter Study was released on Tuesday. Findings show that only 27% of litter in South Australia is containers, which includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage containers and milk containers. This compares with an average in other states and territories of 47%. This is 43% higher than South Australia, with the highest in Western Australia at 61.6% followed by Northern Territory at 54.1%.

South Australia has had Container Deposit Legislation (CDL) in place since 1977. CDL in South Australia requires beverage companies to place a refundable deposit on containers.

“South Australia’s greater than 80% beverage container recovery rate and the noticeable lack of litter on highways, parks and beaches, shows that container deposit systems are proven to be highly effective in addressing away from home litter,” said Mr. Angel.