NT CONTAINER DEPOSITS DECISION OF NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE

Friday, 13 March 2009 03:06

“This decision will be good for the environment; create jobs and reduce waste management costs of councils.  It creates a green infrastructure for resource recovery,” said Jeff Angel, TEC director.

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.

“It’s been a long time since another state embraced CDL and the decision by the Northern Territory should encourage other states to follow.  We agree with the government that national progress has been too slow – a decision should be made at the May meeting of federal and state environment ministers for all states to to go for container deposits.”