Update on the Container Deposit Scheme Review

The EPA has released a consultation summary report on the 2021 Improving South Australia’s Recycling Makes Cents discussion paper.

The consultation summary report showed strong support for:

• resource recovery and recycling to be adopted as a key objective for the CDS
• the inclusion of glass beverage containers up to 3 litres in size (68% of respondents supported this)
• expansion of broadening the range of return points for containers – including reverse vending machines

The report showed a mixed response regarding the inclusion of a fourth kerbside bin to capture all glass containers with 51% of respondents not commenting at all on the inclusion of a fourth bin. The wine sector was the main supporter for a fourth glass kerbside bin (making up three quarters of the 17% who agreed for its inclusion). Of the 32% of respondents who did not support the fourth kerbside bin, the resource recovery sector made up 67%, the community were 15% and local government were 12%.

The LGA does not see the inclusion of a fourth glass kerbside bin as a favoured mechanism for high value material resource recovery as broken glass in bins causes contamination and reduces the recovery of high-value cullet for remanufacturing – which continues the substantial amount of glass ending up in lower value recovery outcomes or landfill. Additional costs, logistical burdens and amenity hazards for councils and communities are further reasons the fourth kerbside bin for glass is not a favoured option.

The State Government has indicated that they are ready to progress development of draft legislative changes to improve the CDS for beverage producers, recyclers, and the community, with consultation to begin later in 2022.

The Environment Minister Susan Close indicated that questions around the inclusion of wine and spirit bottles will be explored further in discussions with other state and territories exploring opportunities to harmonise schemes nationally.

The LGA will continue to consult with membership on the proposed changes to legislation and represent and advocate for the interests of the sector through the CDS Review Reference Group as well as through ALGA.

For more information on the LGA’s advocacy and involvement in the CDS Review to date, please visit the LGA Members Website