Dubbo Field Naturalists back government's Container Deposit Scheme

Last week the state government successfully got the legislation through the Parliament and from July 2017, a 10-cent refund will be given to people who return eligible containers to collection points.

NSW Environment Minister Mark Speakman said almost 50 per cent of roadside waste was drink containers and 43 per cent was litter covered by the CDS.

Dubbo Field Naturalists vice president Tim Hosking said he was hopeful the implementation of a refund would motivate people to clean up.

“The Dubbo Field Naturalists are big supporters of recycling and its benefits and we certainly welcome [the scheme],” he said.

“The details such as price or interpretation of some aspects could still change but the important thing is that the legislation got past the lobbyists and will come in next year.”

Mr Hosking said there were dual benefits to the scheme’s introduction with an incentive for people to not litter in the first place, and a fundraising opportunity for local clubs and children to do pickups that could pay generously.

“It could really help the local clubs but at the same time they would help the local community,” he said.

Dubbo MP and Deputy Premier Troy Grant said the scheme was a cost-effective way of assisting the community and the environment.

“Community groups will be able to swap their cans and bottles for cash from 1 July 2017 following the successful passage of the legislation on Wednesday,” Mr Grant said.

“The Container Deposit Scheme’s introduction fulfils a key election commitment and will help the Government to meet the Premier’s priority goal of reducing litter in NSW by 40 per cent by 2020.”

Mr Speakman said there would be a direct benefit for parks, waterways and beaches when the scheme comes in, with the 10-cent refund providing motivation.