Beer Garden

[Norman]

Empty drink containers now worth more
August 31, 2008

People who do the right thing for the environment by recycling their empty drink containers will now get more cash back at collection depots.

Environment and Conservation Minister Jay Weatherill says consumers will receive 10 cents back on every refundable drink container from tomorrow.

Drink containers still labelled with the old five-cent deposit will also attract the increased refund.

“South Australians can be proud of the fact we have significantly less litter and higher recycling rates of drink containers than any other State,” Mr Weatherill said.

“On Clean Up Australia Day, drink containers make up less than 10 per cent of SA’s litter, compared with 40 per cent nationally.

“This is because of our nation-leading approach to recycling – which started in 1977 with the container deposit scheme.

“Collecting cans and bottles is an environmentally friendly way of earning pocket-money which has become a tradition with Scouts and other community groups – so they’ll be big winners too.

“Everyone can do their bit by collecting their empty drink containers and recycling them.

“But in recent years we’ve seen a decline in the return rates of drink containers.

“So it’s time for us to remind people how important it is to recycle and keep our environment clean.

“The increased refund is designed to encourage people to recycle, prevent litter and decrease the waste going to landfill.”

Mr Weatherill said there would be no cut-off date for consumers to return containers labelled five cents and the implementation of the increase had been subject to wide consultation.

“There has been no increase to the deposit since the scheme was started in 1977,” he said.

“If the deposit were adjusted to keep in pace with inflation, it would be 32 cents in current dollar values.”

“There are many benefits to the State,” Mr Weatherill said.

“We are reducing litter, keeping waste management costs down and giving consumers and community groups a better return for doing the right thing with their empty containers.

“By recycling like we do, it is estimated South Australians reduce annual emissions of greenhouse gases by about 50,000-70,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalents.

“By recycling more we can further reduce emissions.”

Mr Weatherill said there were about 540 million refundable containers sold in SA every year and about 420 million returned for refunds.

“This means there is still room for improvement and we want to encourage people to do their bit for the environment.

“The community is very supportive with a 2004 survey showing 92 per cent of people thought the scheme encouraged and promoted recycling.”

In February this year, the State Government announced that it would double the 5 cent deposit on drink containers to 10 cents. The 10 cent deposit has been implemented in consultation with the beverage and container recycling industries.

Containers attracting refunds include flavoured milks, fruit juices, soft drinks, vitamin drinks, sport drinks, iced teas, beer, alcoholic sodas, spirit-based mixers and some wine base beverages.

More information on the new deposit increase can be found at www.epa.sa.gov.au

[Cruise]

In related news Cruise's income just doubled.

[AtD]

I hope you're declaring that income to the ATO, Cruise.

[crawf]

In other news, its only under 4 months till christmas! . Where the hell has this year gone

[monotonehell]

In other news, its only under 4 months till christmas! . Where the hell has this year gone

For the last time Crawf, I'm not buying you a pony for Xmas!

[Cruise]

In other news, its only under 4 months till christmas! . Where the hell has this year gone

For the last time Crawf, I'm not buying you a pony for Xmas!

Can you you atleast give us a demo of your O-Bahn dance for Chirstmas?

[monotonehell]

In other news, its only under 4 months till christmas! . Where the hell has this year gone

For the last time Crawf, I'm not buying you a pony for Xmas!

Can you you atleast give us a demo of your O-Bahn dance for Chirstmas?

Mebe - can you stand the secret initiation ceremony I wonder?

[Cruise]

Does it involve Duct tape and a flagpole?

[crawf]

In other news, its only under 4 months till christmas! . Where the hell has this year gone

For the last time Crawf, I'm not buying you a pony for Xmas!

Nawww

[Will409]

Can I consider myself officially part of the "S-A club" now that I have done my first multi building sites photospams today?

[monotonehell]

Can I consider myself officially part of the "S-A club" now that I have done my first multi building sites photospams today?

You were already in, just need to do the initiation to make it legal.

[Will409]

I have danced on tables and been tied up to trees before!

[jk1237]

Well I want a new job with lots of money.

Is anyone gonna apply for those Infrastructure - Public Transport positions.

I will, I dont have direct experience at all but I'll see if I get anywhere with the application. How cool.

http://www.infrastructure.sa.gov.au/car ... astructure

[Will409]

I was going to apply for the position of "Transport Planner" or whatever, basically dealing with station design and the like. I may have a lot of background knowledge on the subject but I don't have any of the degrees needed.

[Norman]

It would be awesome to have a job like that, but I am focusing on another subject tight now.