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Container Deposit Scheme Coming to You

Container Deposit Scheme Coming to You

NSW makes the first move in the Container Deposit Scheme breakout


(Originally published 27 December 2016) Despite heavy pressure from pretty much anyone but the general public, Mike Baird and NSW have finally broken ranks and are the first state to 'readopt' the old container deposit scheme, starting July 2017.

You have to hand it to the drinks industry - SA has had a Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) since 1975. So 21 years is one hell of a long time to hold back public opinion. The good news is that this time around, tech has moved on, so all kids or anyone else need do is drop the container into a vending machine and receive a credit.  



Drink containers are far and away the greatest contributor to litter in NSW. While the scheme won't necessarily do anything to cut down on the amount of disposable plastic, glass or metal we consume, it will at least get these disposables out of both landfill and our oceans and into the recycling streams.

Some of you may say I am dreaming, but I am very optimistic about the change this scheme will bring. And at a cost of 10c more for a recyclable container, it is reasonable to assume that three very important things may happen that will push consumers to non disposables. 

1. As the deposit scheme cost is covered by consumers, the more unnecessary products may go by the wayside.

2. Sellers may well begin to offer more discounts for bringing your own container.

3. Consciousness of consumption will increase.


Photo: The Brock News & Boomerang Alliance (for Quote)  |  Table: Keep Australia Beautiful, National Litter Index

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