As of today, Western Australians can return their eligible beverage containers in exchange for cash at 200 refund locations across the state.
As of today, Western Australians can return their eligible beverage containers in exchange for cash at 200 refund locations across the state.
The long-awaited recycling scheme Containers for Change, run by not-for-profit Western Australia Return Renew Recycle, is a solution to prevent recyclable materials from ending up in landfill.
Refunds from deposits can be paid in cash, via direct bank deposit or donated to charity.
Premier Mark McGowan said Western Australians had been crying out for a container deposit scheme.
"People in WA use 1.3 billion drink containers every year, that's 3.5 million a day, 150,000 an hour and more than 2,000 a minute,” he said.
"We know that currently, these containers make up 41 per cent of all litter here in Western Australia.
"Today marks a very important step forward for recycling in Western Australia.”
In a statement, the state government said more than 600 jobs have been created through the scheme.
Refund points are facilitated by 74 organisations, 35 per cent of which are operated by social enterprises and not-for-profits, 15 per cent by local governments, and the remaining 50 per cent by commercial operators.
The scheme has also created opportunities for Perth’s stalled industrial property market.
JLL and recycling company Return-It brokered a deal leasing 8,000 square metres worth of warehousing facilities across 13 regional and metropolitan locations.
The scheme has not been without its difficulties, with the initial June commencement date halted by COVID-19.
Environmental concerns
Environmental groups have raised concerns about the convenience and localities of the scheme's refund points.
A report released today by Total Environment Centre, titled WA Container Deposit Scheme: Has It Met Standards?, found industrial locations of recycling points conflicted with consumer preference for convenient locations such as shopping centres or fuel stations.
Findings were partly based on a 2018 report detailing the government’s key considerations prior to implementing a container deposit scheme.
It also revealed almost a quarter of all sites are only open for between 2-4 hours per week, although it is unclear as to whether the sites are pop-up or permanent locations.
Total Environment Centre executive director Jeff Angel said it was disappointing that such poor access had been implemented.
“Our analysis of the refund sites established by the scheme managers Containers for Change shows it has the worst access to full time refund points compared to QLD and NSW,” he said.
“It’s disingenuous of them to simply use the number of refund sites when claiming good accessibility, when many are only open for a few hours a week.’’
In response to concerns raised last month, Environment Minister Stephen Dawson said he was committed to ensuring all Western Australians would have the opportunity to return containers and receive a refund, or donate it to a community group.
"Containers for Change will help improve recycling rates and reduce litter, while also providing a new funding stream for our charities and community groups, and employment opportunities across the state," he said.
