Fears of delays for start of QLD’s cash for containers scheme

THE operator of Queensland’s cash-for-containers scheme has brushed aside concerns over whether there will be a shortage of collection sites by November 1.

THE operator of Queensland’s cash-for-containers scheme has brushed aside concerns over whether there will be a shortage of collection sites by November 1.

A number of waste lobby groups have written to Environment Minister Leeanne Enoch expressing “grave concerns” about a number of ­issues which they claim could jeopardise a smooth start to the scheme.

However, non-for-profit group Container Exchange (CoEx) – which has been appointed to run the scheme – assured residents they were on track to reach the 230 sites required by November 1.

CoEx acting chairman Alby Taylor said there were several things out of their control, such as the weather, which could keep some sites from opening on time.

“We are using our best endeavours to ensure this scheme is up and running by the start date,” Mr Taylor said.

“By day one, there might be sites that are open and sites that don’t but that’s because there are things out of our control like the weather and construction.”

It is understood some collection sites were also waiting on approvals from local councils to allow them be installed in time.

Australian Council of Recycling chief executive Peter Shmigel this week wrote to Ms Enoch, expressing his concerns over the Container Refund Scheme.

“I (have) grave concerns that the scheme’s delivery to the Queensland community is at major risk,” he said.

The Queensland Government is hoping the scheme will tackle litter and plastic pollution and improve recycling across the state.

Queenslanders will be able to return an eligible drink container to an approved refund point and receive 10¢, similar to the schemes already in place in South Australia and the Northern Territory.

“By providing a range of convenient and accessible refund point solutions more Queenslanders will be able to participate in and benefit from the scheme,” Ms Enoch said earlier this year.

“Our scheme has been developed following extensive consultation, and we are proud with the model that has been developed,” Minister Enoch said.

“Unlike NSW, our scheme will be run on a not-for-profit basis, by organisation Container Exchange (CoEx), which was appointed as the product responsibility organisation.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to reducing the amount of plastic pollution in our environment.

“In Queensland, we use about three billion containers every year. These containers are the second most littered item in the state, despite the fact they can be easily recycled.

“The Container Refund Scheme, branded Containers for Change, will encourage Queenslanders to recycle and reduce the amount of plastic pollution we see in the environment.”

The scheme is due to come into effect across the state on November 1.