Released 09/04/2018
Planning is in full swing for the introduction of the ACT’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) on 30 June with social enterprise organisations across Canberra coming on board as key container collection points.
Canberrans will be able to participate in the ACT CDS by returning eligible, empty beverage containers at registered collection points to receive a 10 cent refund.
Currently operating in South Australia, the Northern Territory and New South Wales, container deposit schemes commit beverage producers to take greater responsibility for container packaging after it has been sold, and are an effective and popular way to reduce litter in our local environment.
“I’m excited to announce that the ACT’s Container Deposit Scheme will start on 30 June 2018, which I’m sure will be good news for local sporting groups and kids who have already started stockpiling cans and bottles,” said Minister for Transport and City Services Meegan Fitzharris.
“We have always said we would introduce a scheme as quickly as possible to align with NSW, however we want to make sure we take our time to get it right.
“Contract agreements have now been signed between the Territory and the appointed scheme coordinator, Exchange for Change (ACT) and network operator Re.Turn-It.
“We want our CDS to be a socially inclusive and accessible scheme that enables all Canberrans to participate. With that in mind, the ACT CDS will use a face-to-face service delivery model, engaging social enterprise locations and charity shopfronts as express collection points. We will also have bulk depots that will accept larger quantities of containers.
“The scheme will provide opportunities for container refunds to be donated to charities and offer increased economic and employment opportunities for participating collection points.
“We also want to make sure industry are supported through this process, and this week we will introduce legislation to allow beverage manufacturers up to two years before they have to introduce ACT specific refund marking on their containers,” said Minister Fitzharris.
Key learnings from existing schemes across Australia, as well as community consultation, discussions with industry, social research and waste audits conducted in mid-2017 enabled the government and the appointed scheme coordinator and network operator to focus on delivering a CDS that benefits the whole community.
The ACT CDS will start on 30 June, with all updates and scheme information including the roll out of collection points available at www.actcds.com.au.
The establishment of the ACT CDS was an ACT Labor election commitment and part of the ACT Greens and ACT Labor Parliamentary Agreement.
- Statement ends -
Meegan Fitzharris, MLA | Media Releases
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