Carton of beer could cost you $4 extra under new plan
NSW consumers could be paying up to $4 extra for a carton of beer under a new bottle recycling scheme that has been slammed for being rushed through for a deadline of December 1.
NSW
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NSW consumers could be paying up to $4 extra for a carton of beer under a new bottle recycling scheme that has been slammed for being rushed through for a deadline of December 1.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian defended the introduction of the bottle recycling scheme, saying “transition is always the toughest part of bringing a new scheme in”.
Under the “Return and Earn” anti-litter initiative consumers will get a 10-cent refund for every can or bottle they take to 800 collection points and 500 reverse-vending machine across NSW.
But small business owners claimed they would be sent to the wall over the anti-litter initiative, which will see an extra 10c added to most glass, cans, plastic and paperboard drink containers. The liquor shop industry association said the introduction of the recycling scheme was “a total mess”.
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This has been brought in with unholy haste and it’s a mess,” Liquor Stores Association spokesman Terry Mott said.
“The true cost to consumers of the scheme is likely to be much higher than just the 10 cents per container deposit.
“It just beggars belief that we are days away from it being implemented.”
Small business drink manufacturers have also warned they will go broke after paying tens of thousands of dollars in upfront fees.
“We had to foot a bill for close to $75,000 on terms of 30 days in advance, but we are a small family run business and this affects our cash flow,” Sam Lentini from Eastcoast Beverages, which makes fresh fruit juice and natural spring water said.
“The scheme needs to be reversed and carefully thought through.”