The Conservation Council of South Australia, South Australias peak environmental body representing tens of
thousands of South Australians, has commended the decision by the State Government to increase the container deposit for recyclable containers from 5c to 10c.
SA can hold its head up nationally when it comes to our container deposit and recycling legislation. SA is already conspicuously cleaner than its interstate counterparts when it comes to the percentage of the waste stream composed of beverage containers said CCSA CEO Ms Julie Pettett.
South Australias container deposit legislation is a groundbreaker nationally and internationally Ms Pettett stated. This initiative to increase the deposit will have multiple benefits across the triple bottom line of social, economic and environmental indicators. Its a win-win-win for the State Ms Pettett added. The increase will see a corresponding lift in can and container recycling rates and is strongly supported by the community and environment groups Ms Pettett said. The recycling of cans is a cottage industry for community groups as well as some people in lower socio-economic circumstances and this may well boost their income she added. Overall, increasing the container deposit will result in cleaner streets, parks and waterways and see less material going to landfill Ms Pettett said. Given the energy required to manufacture a new can is seven times greater than that required to recycle a can, it will have a significant impact on reducing our energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions as well - by up to 70,000 tonnes per annum Ms Pettett said. CCSA is calling for the federal Environment Minister to encourage the scheme at a national level to stop tens of thousands of tonnes of pure aluminium (one of the most greenhouse gas intensive raw materials known) going straight to landfill. A national approach would also ensure a level playing field for container manufacturers and reduce the opportunities for rorting the system concluded Ms Pettett. Release Ends. For further information or comment please contact:Ms Julie Pettet CEO CCSA on 0417 879 439 or
Mr Jamnes Danenberg CCSA Campaigner on 0411 028 930
