MEMBER for Cootamundra Katrina Hodgkinson has voiced her support for a recycling rebate in NSW similar to the successful model in South Australia.
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At least 160 million drink containers are littered in NSW every year, making up 44 per cent of all litter in the state.
South Australia’s 10 cent container deposit system has helped achieve an 80 per cent recycling rate; around double the rate in other states.
NSW Premier Mike Baird has promised to introduce a world's best practice container recycling system by 2017. The proposal is part of the state government’s goal to reduce litter by 40 per cent by 2020.
The Boomerang Alliance, a coalition of more than 30 environment groups, is proposing a Container Deposit System (CDS) including a 10 cent refundable deposit via 500-800 reverse vending machines around NSW.
Local councils also stand to earn extra money from kerbside recycling under this scheme.
The beverage industry has proposed an alternative model that replaces the cash rebate with credit for a designated charity via 100 reserve vending machines.
Ms Hodgkinson said while there may need to be some adjustments to suit NSW, she is in favour of a system similar to the South Australia model.
“We have had quite a number of people contact our office to share their thoughts, which is terrific. I would encourage people to make sure they have their say,” Ms Hodgkinson said.
“It is my personal opinion that if you’re going to produce and sell a product then thinking about how people are going to recycle it is part of your responsibility.
“Every organisation has a responsibility to the environment, and should embrace that as good corporate citizens.”
Greenpeace Australia Pacific oceans campaigner Nathaniel Pelle said politicians have accused the Coca-Cola Company of using “scare tactics” to oppose a CDS in other states.
“Coca-Cola is leading the beverage industry lobby against sensible, proven reforms,” Mr Pelle said.
“We know that Coke only cares about its profit.”
Mr Pelle said the beverage industry is concerned the CDS will add 10 cents to the cost of drinks, which may discourage some consumers.
“If Mike Baird breaks his promise and NSW does not get a world’s best system it will only be because he put Coca-Cola before the community,” Mr Pelle said.
