2017-09-20
After more than a decade of Greens advocacy, the ACT Greens are proud today that the ACT Government has now moved to establish a container deposit scheme in the Territory.
A container deposit scheme will reduce litter, improve recycling rates, save money, as well as creating new businesses and jobs here in the ACT—in line with the Greens vision of a truly sustainable Canberra.
“We’re pleased today to welcome a container deposit scheme to Canberra,” said Greens MLA Shane Rattenbury. “The Greens have advocated strongly for the scheme over a number of years, and it’s great to see that this now be realised.
“This year South Australia is celebrating 40 years since the introduction of the container deposit legislation. More than 6 billion containers have been returned under the scheme, with an average annual return of around 80 per cent. That’s a remarkable achievement and an aspiration for our city as we do our bit towards reducing waste to landfill.”
In 2004, the ACT Greens took a policy supporting container deposit legislation to the ACT election.
In 2008, then-ACT Greens MLA Deb Foskey introduced the Waste Minimisation (Container Recovery) Amendment Bill, which would establish a container deposit scheme in the ACT. In tabling the bill, Ms Foskey noted that: “It is smart, it is efficient, it makes economic and environmental sense, it is overdue, and I am hoping that the Government will see fit to support it.”
In 2010, Greens MLA Caroline Le Couteur called on the then-ACT Environment and Sustainable Development Minister Simon Corbell to vote in favour of a national container deposit scheme.
In 2013, the Legislative Assembly passed a motion moved by Greens leader Shane Rattenbury to support the progress of a container deposit recycling schemes across Australia—a motion that passed despite being opposed by the Canberra Liberals.
At the time, Mr Rattenbury said it was “important that the ACT Legislative Assembly plays its part to progress and promote recycling and waste minimisation practices in the ACT and across Australia.”
Today, Mr Rattenbury reaffirmed the importance of a national approach, congratulating the ACT on moving ahead, noting that NSW are commencing their scheme in December 2017.
“It’s been a long time coming. Welcome to the party, Canberra,” Mr Rattenbury added.
Statement ends