NT government expands Container Deposit Scheme, reduces plastic waste

The NT government has committed to reducing single-use plastics by 2025, and is inviting the community to submit their ideas for curbing waste.

The NT government is turning to Territorians to brainstorm solutions for reducing single-use plastics in landfill.

Environment, Climate Change, and Water Security Minister Lauren Moss said she hoped to engage with NT residents to expand the cash for containers program.

“We already see really, really high return rates through the Container Deposit Scheme, but we know when it comes to the really big plastic milk jugs, or our wine bottle, that people would really like to see more options,” she said.

“We’re seeking that feedback from the operators themselves on how that would work, but also from the community as well on how we can expand that scheme.”

Environment, Climate Change, and Water Security Minister Lauren Moss said the government would consult with Darwin residents to come up with solutions for a greener future. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

Ms Moss said the NT government was committed to phasing out single-use plastics by 2025.

She said the government hoped to hear the NT community’s ideas for a greener future.

“Whether it’s coffee cups, what we need to do with those lids that everybody would love to see recycled, but also some greater reporting back about what is actually happening to those things that are being recycled,” she said.

NT residents can have their say about the Container Deposit Scheme and single use plastics until May 2023.

“The Territory’s environment is one of the reasons people live here and we know that good environmental policy is good economic policy,” she said.

“Improving and expanding our Container Deposit Scheme, and reducing the amount of plastics in landfills will help to protect the environment from harm which is why we are taking action now for the sake of future generations.”

Ms Moss said Saffron in Parap was leading the way to a biodegradable future.

Saffron owner Selvan Kandasamy said the business had strictly used recyclable containers since it opened its doors more than 15 years ago.

“Not only that, I always encourage people to bring their own container, that’s so much better,” he said.

“We do have a lot of people that started using and bringing their own container, they get a discount for that.”