When it comes to the future of recycling in NSW, it all crushes down to two options.
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As the government comes closer to deciding on which container deposit scheme (CDS) it will choose to implement, the lobbying battle between supporters of both options is heating up.
Riverina Greens member Kevin Poynter said he supported a container deposit scheme for NSW, but questioned the industry-backed model.
“A refund container deposit scheme would have a measurable effect,”Mr Poynter said.
“The industry-backed scheme involves cleaning up the mess when it’s been put there.”
Kurrajong Waratah deputy chief Ray Carroll said the recycling plant would welcome any change, but was not sure how the changes would affect the business.
“We would have more volume to recycle,” Mr Carroll said.
“The only question is who would be paying to take the recyclables to the recycler?
“But we’re behind it if it takes rubbish off the side of the road.”
Mr Carroll said he would like to see more education programs in schools.
Tidy Towns Committee chair John Rumens said it was considering which option to support.
“The logistics of the schemes are daunting,” Mr Rumens said.
“It’s likely volunteers groups would be needed, and collection points would need to be established.”
Mr Rumens supported educating people from an early age. “We need to instill (a recycling) culture in people early,” he said.
“In reality, we need a multi-pronged solution that will work with businesses.”
The first option is a refund-based scheme similar to one operating in South Australia.
The price of containers would go up by 10 cents, but would be redeemable when recycled. It is a preventative and reactive approach to reducing container litter, according to the government discussion paper.
The second option is the industry-backed “Thirst For Good.”
It involves a $15-million annual investment by the beverage industry in a suite of programs aimed specifically at reducing litter across the state.
It also uses both preventive and reactive approaches to reducing litter and includes some programs that involve both financial and non-financial incentives to encourage the community to return empty containers. It also includes straight litter clean-up programs.
Public consultation is open until Friday. To read the discussion paper visit: epa.nsw.gov.au/waste/container-deposit-scheme.htm.
