The Tasmanian Greens marked Clean Up Australia day by announcing their election commitment to introduce a state-based Cash for Containers Scheme.
Greens Leader Nick McKim MP said the proposed 10 cent Cash-for-Containers scheme will create over 380 new jobs, halve the amount of the state’s drink container litter, and save local councils an average of $1.3 million each year on kerbside recycling costs.
“The Greens proposed container deposit scheme would create over 380 new jobs in Tasmania and make us a nation leader in waste management,’ Mr McKim said.
“A 2011 opinion poll demonstrated that 91% of Tasmanians are in favour of a drink container deposit scheme being introduced.”
“It would save approximately $1.3 million in council kerbside recycling costs each year, and improve our recycling rates of beverage containers from the worst in the nation, about 30%, to one of the best in the nation, about 80%.”
“The first step of the Greens’ proposal is to implement the $10 per tonne Waste Levy as proposed by the Local Government Association Tasmania in their election Manifesto, from which a small portion of funding would be dedicated to kick-starting the Cash for Containers Implementation strategy.”
“We would also allocate some of the Waste Levy into a Cash-for-Containers Infrastructure Grants Fund for two years, to assist current waste transfer operators, local community groups and sports clubs to seek financial assistance to upgrade or establish their own collection and fund-raising hub.”
“The South Australian Scouts Association estimate they earn $22 million each year from their participation in that state’s container deposit scheme. This demonstrates what a boost it could be for our local community groups and sport clubs.”
“The Greens’ proposed state-based “Cash-for-Containers” scheme is a winner for the environment, our community groups, for local jobs, and reducing local government costs.”
“It has always been the Tasmanian Greens’ position that if COAG did not commit to introducing a national CDS scheme in a timely manner then Tasmania should bring in our own system,” Mr McKim said.
The Greens’ Tasmanian Cash-for-Containers Scheme policy commitment is available for download …
Greens Leader Nick McKim
