SA: South Australia to double deposit on drink bottles and cans

AAP General News (Australia)
02-12-2008
SA: South Australia to double deposit on drink bottles and cans

ADELAIDE, Feb 12 AAP - South Australia has moved to double the deposit on drink bottles,
cans and cartons in a move Clean Up Australia has hailed a model for the rest of the country.

Premier Mike Rann today said the current five cent deposit on drink containers, which
had been in place since 1977, would be doubled to 10 cents later this year.

He said the increase would provide a greater incentive to recycle empty containers
and cut into the 185 million still going to landfill each year.

"It will ensure even more containers are recycled, as well as reducing litter and increasing
the amount of money community groups can generate from the return of containers," Mr Rann
said.

In recent years, the return rate for drink containers had dropped from about 84 per
cent to 70 per cent, suggesting, the premier said, the time was right to increase the
deposit.

Clean Up Australia chairman Ian Kiernan said doubling the refund for recycling drink
bottles and cans was the most effective way to boost recycling rates and SA's lead should
be followed by other states.

He said a poll conducted last year indicated 82 per cent of people across Australia
supported the idea of a national 10 cent refund.

"It's a no-brainer," Mr Kiernan said.

"The community, government and industry all have a role to play and a shared responsibility
to make recycling an effective solution to waste.

"A financial incentive to recycle is a compelling reason not to dump bottles and cans
in the environment."

Mr Rann said South Australia's aim was to have every container carrying the deposit
returned for recycling.

He said the government would consult with the beverage industry and container collectors
to ensure the transition to a 10 cent deposit was carefully planned.

AAP tjd/it/cdh

KEYWORD: CONTAINERS

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