Greens MLC Colleen Hartland has released a report by her Parliamentary Intern, Ashleigh Kemp, that examines the benefits of a 10c deposit on bottles, cans and cartons.*
"The report analyses the current system, including the state's failure to meet its own Towards Zero Waste targets. It then takes two case studies, Brimbank Council and Surf Coast Shire, and shows how a deposit system would work with and improve their existing recycling system," said Colleen Hartland.
"In Brimbank, 14% of the rubbish going to landfill from kerbside is recyclable containers. In public place bins, it's even higher, at 16% by weight – and that would be even greater by volume. The recycling bins are contaminated by broken glass from drink bottles. With a 10c deposit, those items simply wouldn't be in the bin. No wonder the report concludes that 'the positive effect it would have on Brimbank cannot be overestimated'.
"Despite the financial, social and environmental benefits to Brimbank Council, the council voted against a motion in support of container deposits - the only council to have failed to pass a motion in support, one week before the Ombudsman's report into corruption on that council was released."
"Surf Coast is shown to have a well thought out recycling system, in a council committed to reducing rubbish and waste, supported by their local residents. But it has a seasonal problem with litter, with tourists being less likely to recycle."
"In Surf Coast, drink container deposits are shown as a potential source of income for the shire and community groups, particularly after large tourist events. The Shire's existing infrastructure puts it in a good position to benefit financially, and new infrastructure provided by new recycling businesses would further reduce litter and save money."
"The report examines the employment and fundraising opportunities created by container deposits. In South Australia, container deposits provide additional income to older people, young people and low income earners, as well as community groups, with the South Australian example showing that this keeps the area cleaner at less cost to the councils.", said Ms Hartland.
Parliamentary Intern Reports are prepared by political science studetns as part of the requirements for the Victorain Parliamentary Internships program. The program is jointy coordinated by the Parliametnary Library, Vicotira University, Monash University and the University of Melbourne.
* "It Makes Cents: Report into the Impacts of Container Deposit Legislation on Victorian Local Government", by Ashleigh Kemp, Victoria University, May 2009 is published on the Greens MLC website http://mps.vic.greens.org.au
For comment: Colleen Hartland - 9689 6373