The implementation of a state-wide container deposit scheme is set to become a reality for WA in 2020.
The state government's Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Bill (Container Deposit) 2018 was passed by the Legislative Council on March 14.
Under the new scheme, WA consumers will receive a 10 cent refund when they return eligible empty beverage containers to refund points throughout the state.
Projections show the container deposit scheme will result in 706 million fewer beverage containers littered by 2037 and reduce the number of containers disposed of to landfill by 5,902 million.
The next major step - following establishment of applicable relevant regulations - will be the announcement of the scheme co-ordinator who will be responsible for developing the state-wide collection network and managing contracts with operators of refund points.
Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray said a statewide container deposit scheme has been welcomed by the WA community.
"I look forward to schools, community groups, families and individuals here in Collie participating in the scheme and getting some cash back for can and bottle collection," he said.
"This scheme will help ensure we, as a community, are doing everything we can to improve our recycling habits, while keeping our town tidy.
"Projections show the container deposit scheme will result in 706 million fewer beverage containers littered by 2037 and reduce the number of containers disposed of to landfill by 5,902 million - great news for our environment."
Environment Minister Stephen Dawson said the scheme was a win for the environment and a win for the economy.
"I'm confident the scheme will not only reduce litter and increase recycling throughout WA, but provide business opportunities for social enterprises and help charities and community organisations raise money to fund vital community work," he said.
While the scheme has received resounding support throughout the state, a Department of Water and Environmental Regulation spokesperson said the container deposit scheme would bill beverage suppliers based on container returns.
"The intention is to ensure that responsibility for funding of the scheme is allocated as high in the supply chain as possible. It will mainly be large beverage manufacturers such as Lion Nathan and Coca-Cola Amatil or large supermarkets such as Coles and Woolworths which will be responsible for funding the scheme," they said.
"Suppliers need to know how much to charge per container months ahead, the scheme uses an estimation methodology to calculate the number of containers to be returned."
