Territorians can add more bottles to the container deposit scheme

Territorians have returned one billion beverage containers in the 10c container deposit scheme since 2012, and now more bottles than ever will be accepted. Read the details.

CLP has announced more bottles will be added to the container deposit scheme. Picture: Supplied

More bottles will be added to the 10c container deposit scheme (CDS) in a bid to fill Territorians’ hip pocket and clean up our streets.

Glass wine and spirit bottles, along with any ready-to-drink (aka premix) containers up to three litres will be added to the CDS for the first time since it was introduced in 2012.

Environment Minister Joshua Burgoyne described the expansion of the scheme to include these containers as a win for Territorians and the environment.

“Since the scheme began in 2012, more than one billion beverage containers have been returned in the NT, putting over $100 million back into the hands of Territorians,” Mr Burgoyne said.

Wine and spirit bottles were previously excluded from the scheme.

“Our public spaces are littered with wine and spirit bottles and including them in the scheme will make a real impact on our environment.

“Extensive consultation over several years has shown strong support for broadening the scheme.

“These changes will also boost the waste and recycling industry by encouraging more infrastructure investment and creating jobs, including in remote communities.

“We look forward to advancing the proposed expansion through continued consultation with key industry stakeholders.”

The Waste and Recycling Industry Association (NT) were supportive of the expansion, stating it would see more glass containers recycled rather than wasted.

In another win for container collectors, the Envirobank Pickup Service will also launch in Darwin this July.

This service sees Envirobank return customer’s containers at a fee of 3c per container, meaning Territorians will pocket the other 7c.

The Envirobank pickup service is only available in Darwin suburbs. Picture: Supplied

Managing Director of Envirobank, Narelle Anderson welcomed both announcements.

“This is a big win for both the environment and the community,” Ms Anderson said.

“Expanding the range of eligible containers means even more materials can be kept out of landfill and given a second life.

“Starting in July, our new pickup services will make recycling easier, more rewarding and accessible for all.”

The scheme charges 3¢ a container. Picture: Supplied

In another expansion to the scheme, Katherine Council announced the MT Bins were back to accept eligible containers for six months from June 16.

In order to make the changes to the scheme’s expansion, new legislation must be passed through amendments to the Environment Protection (Beverage Containers and Plastic Bags) Act 2011 and Regulations.

A government spokeswoman said the changes will not be instantaneous.

“The changes will take at least six months after the Bill is passed,” the spokeswoman said.

“Allowing time for industry readiness, smooth customer experiences at depots, and the rollout of systems to handle the wider range of containers and increased volumes.”

Originally published as Territorians can add more bottles to the container deposit scheme