The welcome news that Queensland has green-lit a container deposit scheme (CDS) for disposable cans and bottles highlights the poor state of recycling in Tasmania. The Hodgman Government’s obstinate refusal to implement a CDS in Tasmania has seen our recycling rates languish at just 15 percent – the lowest in the country.
Tasmania remains stuck in the past as Queensland joins New South Wales, Western Australia, the Northern Territory and national leader South Australia, which recently celebrated 40 years of its CDS and enjoys container recycling rates of 80 percent.
Alongside the obvious benefit of a cleaner, greener state, a Tasmanian CDS would provide a much-needed boost to our resource recycling industry, providing stable jobs and driving opportunities for growth in the sector.
The South Australian experience tells us that a CDS would change Tasmanians’ attitude to the value of other forms of recycling, waste reduction and waste management, compounding community and environmental benefits.
Despite strong support from the community and the Hobart, West Coast, Launceston, and Kingborough councils, the Greens are the only party backing a CDS for Tasmania.
We call on both Liberal and Labor to immediately back this simple, proven and cost-effective scheme that will benefit all Tasmanians.
Andrea Dawkins | Environment spokesperson
