It’s been a much smoother launch for Containers for Change in Queensland than the troubled NSW CDS.
The scheme kicked off on November 1, with Minister for Environment Leeanne Enoch (pictured above) noting on Friday: “Results are in! Queensland’s container refund points have been busy counting containers since Containers for Change launched yesterday – excited to hear more than 650,000 containers were returned on day one of the scheme. Fantastic results!”
However, Queensland Hotels Association chief executive Bernie Hogan told News Corp the industry was bemused by the introduction of the scheme and its impact on drink prices.
“It will definitely increase for all those products, not just alcoholic products, and they will definitely be more than $2.40,” he said.
“From the industry’s perspective it was not really necessary, given the rate of recycling in the community, but we have now been told it is a litter issue, not a recycling issue.
“We didn’t ask for it, we didn’t like it but now we have got to work with it.”
Woolworths also advised customers to they will be paying more than 11 cents extra for every container eligible under the refund scheme, even though they will only receive 10 cents in return.
The supermarket giant posted signs, as well as leaflets, in its drinks aisles explaining the Containers for Change scheme.
The leaflets details why the scheme was introduced, which containers were eligible to be recycled and how the cost increase had been calculated across its range of drinks.
The supermarket used an example of a carton of 24 soft drinks that cost $20 before November 1.
Instead of the cost simply increasing by 10 cents per container to $22.40, the carton would be estimated to set consumers back $22.72. The increase took into account administration costs and additional GST revenue.
Woolworths broke down the increase as 10.3 cents per container and that increased the carton 24 from $20 to $22.47. Following an additional 25 cents (rounded up) for GST the carton would rise to $22.72.
Praise for introduction of scheme
Alby Taylor, Acting Chair of Container Exchange (CoEx) – the organisation tasked with establishing and running the Container Refund Scheme – said Containers for Change will help improve recycling rates, reduce litter and provide fundraising opportunities for Queensland communities.
Minister Enoch said this was just the beginning of the scheme.
“As more Queenslanders participate and the scheme grows, we expect more refund sites will be established across the state,” she said.
Toby Hutcheon, Queensland Manager of Boomerang Alliance, said: “Container deposit schemes work. The over 40 schemes operating around the world all demonstrate the same thing; they slash litter rates, increase recycling and make a cleaner environment.
“The Queensland Container Refund Scheme is designed to achieve three things; reduce container litter, increase recycling and jobs, and provide a benefit to community groups who collect cans and bottles. We think it will achieve all of these things.”
