Don’t be too fast to throw out your wine and spirit bottles. They’re about to be worth 10 cents a pop.
The state government is planning to see what people think of the idea first.
Environment minister Meaghan Scanlon said before the containers for change program was introduced, only 18% of beverage containers were recovered and recycled.
“Today, that number has grown threefold to 65%,” she said.
“It’s a huge achievement, but there’s still more to do.”
Currently, the containers for change program accepts most aluminium, glass, plastic, steel and liquid paperboard beverage containers between 150ml and 3l.
“Making more containers eligible for refunds makes it easier for people to recycle, particularly in more regional and remote communities where they mightn’t have a recycling bin,” Ms Scanlon said.
“From the perspective of Queensland’s fast-growing recycling industry, it also means beverage containers can be sorted and manufactured into new products quicker.
“Of course we want to make sure that any decision to expand the scheme to include wine and spirit bottles is one that is backed by the community, so we’ll be going out next month to Queenslanders to get their feedback.”
Geoff Parker, CEO of the Australian Beverages Council said as proud product stewards of container refund schemes the non-alcoholic drinks industry fully supports the government’s planned review.
“We know Queenslanders care for the environment and want to save even more drinks containers from ending up in landfill by being recycled through the Containers for Change scheme,” Mr Parker said.
Ms Scanlon said in addition to community consultation, a discussion paper would also be released for industry to give feedback on.
“Through that process we’ll be able to determine not only how Queenslanders want the scheme to be expanded but also when we can roll it out, and how it’ll fit in seamlessly with the current program,” Minister Scanlon said.
“We want to see any expansion happen as soon as possible, but there will be a lot of work that’ll need to happen behind the scenes to make it happen.”
Consultation is expected to launch in December and run through to February 2023.
