Container Deposit Scheme - Cash for Containers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cash for containers scheme?
A cash for containers scheme is where beverage manufacturers are legally required to add a deposit and handling fee on their products such as cans, bottles and drink cartons. Consumers of these products are able to redeem the deposit by returning these empty containers to designated collection depots and be reimbursed the deposit.
Why is it needed?
By allowing consumers to be reimbursed a deposit, it will give monetary incentive and encouragement for people not to litter. It also rewards those people in the community who make a large effort to clean up after those who haven’t disposed of their rubbish properly.
Community groups and organisations can also benefit from this scheme by undertaking large scale clean-ups that reduce the amount of litter in our communities, across the Territory.
Is litter really a problem in our communities?
Yes. Beverage containers account for 13% of the total items littered in the Territory. This figure rises to 25% if cigarette butts are removed from the analysis.
By removing this litter through an incentive like cash for containers, we are not only reducing the amount of litter lying around, we are reducing the amount of can, bottle and drink container landfill and also encouraging recycling of these products.
Will a cash for containers scheme reduce the amount of litter in Territory communities?
Other areas across the world that have already implemented container deposit schemes have large return rates for the number of containers produced. In fact, between 70-90% of the containers sold, that are eligible for container deposit schemes, come back for re-filling, recycling or disposal. These jurisdictions have less litter from bottles and cans.
South Australia, which has had a very successful program in place for more than 30 years, has significantly less litter than other States and Territories in Australia. South Australia’s can and bottle litter, that is covered by container deposit legislation, is half that of the Northern Territory.
In the Territory, of the containers that we are proposing to have covered by a cash for containers scheme, we have the second highest litter levels of any other State and Territory.
What needs to happen for the Territory to have a cash for containers scheme?
A Reference Group has been established to drive and guide a model for cash for containers that will best suit the Northern Territory and be financially viable, legally sound and be delivered in both urban and remote centres.
This includes planning collection depots, policies and standards for redeeming deposits, the beverage industry amending labelling and community awareness campaigns developed.
What sort of containers or drinks will it apply to?
This detail is still to be finalised, although it will include beer and other alcoholic drinks, soft drinks and flavoured milk in bottles, cans and cartons.
This idea is similar to the successful South Australian scheme.
