[Greens-Media] MEDIA RELEASE: 'Government Must Introduce a Container Deposit Scheme; Resist Industry Pressure' (Greens NSW Dr Mehreen Faruqi MLC)

[Mehreen Faruqi]

Media Release
29.07.14
Government Must Introduce a Container Deposit Scheme; Resist Industry Pressure
Greens MP and NSW Spokesperson for the Environment, Dr Mehreen Faruqi MLC, has called on the Government to commit to a container deposit scheme as a proven way to reduce litter and to resist industry pressure to introduce a sub-standard and flawed model. The 'National Recycling Action Plan is just a way for the industry to escape their extended producer responsibility.

Dr Faruqi said: "The beverage industry's proposal is a last ditch attempt to defeat a container deposit scheme, which is a proven way to reduce environmental pollution from cans and bottles.
"Recycling containers consumed away from home needs incentives and only a container deposit scheme can do that.

"The Government must resist pressure from the beverage industry for an ineffective option. Industries which produce waste should be responsible for its entire lifecycle, including recovery, recycling and ultimate disposal.

"The Greens are strong supporters of evidence based policy and I have had a bill to introduce a container deposit scheme in NSW parliament since late last year.

"Container Deposit Schemes have been successfully implemented in over 40 jurisdictions around the world (including European and Asian countries and many states in the US), and are a proven tool to reduce litter and improve waste management. In South Australia, where a container deposit scheme has been in place since the early 1970s, recovery rates have skyrocketed whilst they remain stagnant in the rest of the country.

"A Container Deposit Scheme is one of the most effective litter control and recycling policy tools available to the NSW Government - it achieves high container recovery rates, reduces environmental pollution and leaves our beaches, parks and public areas cleaner and greener.

"The vast majority of environmental groups, including Clean Up Australia, the Australian Conservation Foundation and the Surfrider Foundation as well as many local councils also support container deposit schemes", she concluded.

More information: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/nsw-will-have-a-cando-attitude-to-public-recycling-more-than-150000-new-bins-could-soon-appear/story-fni0cx12-1227003496191

Media Contact: Matt Hilton 0423 106 247


Matt Hilton
Legislative, Policy and Media Adviser

Office of Dr Mehreen Faruqi MLC
Legislative Council | NSW Parliament
E: matthew.hilton at parliament.nsw.gov.au<mailto:matthew.hilton at parliament.nsw.gov.au>
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Mail: Parliament House, Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW 2000

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