A new nationwide campaign is calling on state and territory governments to double Australia’s container deposit refund from 10c to 20c, arguing the current rate is no longer an effective incentive.
Backed by environmental groups and recycling industry leaders, the push aims to lift recycling rates and increase financial returns for households and community organisations. Campaigners say inflation has reduced the value of the refund, contributing to a return rate of just 68 per cent with an estimated 4.23 billion containers unrecycled each year.
They also argue Australia is lagging behind international systems, with countries like Germany and Slovakia achieving significantly higher return rates of around 90 per cent.
This new campaign comes as Victoria marks a significant milestone in its container deposit scheme.
Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos said the program has returned more than $300m in refunds, with over three billion bottles and cans recycled since its introduction.
“In less than two and a half years we have diverted more than 3 billion containers away from landfill, helping to keep our streets and parks clean,” Dimopoulos said.
Source: Herald Sun
