#Government
Target:
Northern Territory Parliament
Region:
Australia
Website:
www.responsiblerecycling.org.au

The Northern Territory has come a long way in the way it recycles its empty bottles and cans. More people are recycling than ever before through their convenient and easy to use kerbside recycling systems, there is less litter and a greater awareness of reducing the impact of rubbish on our environment.

But we can all be doing more.

The Government believes the answer is a “Cash for Containers” Scheme, where consumers across the Territory will have to pay more for their bottles and cans at the shop (10 cent deposit plus a handling fee of up to 10 cents). Consumers would then have to take empty containers to a depot to have the 10 cent deposit returned.

The Environment Protection (Beverage Containers and Plastic Bags) Bill in its current form will see the introduction of an expensive and inconvenient system that threatens the viability of existing kerbside recycling systems.

A better alternative exists.

Responsible Recycling has already had discussions with the Northern Territory Government about a better alternative to the proposed “Cash for Containers” Scheme. Our Product Stewardship Model would see industry provide direct funding for projects that will have a real impact on recycling and litter reduction in the NT, while ensuring the viability and convenience of existing kerbside recycling systems is maintained.

So let’s work together to build on what we already have, instead of threatening kerbside recycling with an inconvenient and expensive inconvenient “Cash for Containers” system.

The NT Government must suspend the debate on the current Bill until all options have been investigated.

TO THE HONOURABLE THE SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY:

WE THE UNDERSIGNED RESPECTFULLY SHOWETH:

The Northern Territory Parliament is currently considering legislation, the Environment Protection (Beverage Containers and Plastic Bags) Bill, which includes the introduction of a container deposit (Cash for Containers) scheme across the Territory.

The Cash for Containers Scheme will increase the cost of affected beverages by up to 20 cents at the checkout, with only 10 cents returned to the consumer (if they take the container to be redeemed).

The cost of living in the Territory is already higher than other states and territories, surely there is a better and more convenient alternative to reduce litter and increase recycling.

No cost-benefit analysis has been released on the Cash for Containers scheme or other more convenient alternatives, nor has any information been provided to the community on the costs of the scheme, including the costs of establishment, infrastructure and ongoing management.

YOUR PETITIONERS THEREFORE HUMBLY PRAY THAT:

1. Government representatives meet with the beverage industry to discuss other less costly and more convenient alternatives to reduce litter and increase recycling in the Territory; and

2. The Northern Territory Parliament amend the Environment Protection (Beverage Containers and Plastic Bags) Bill to remove the introduction of a Cash for Containers scheme.

AND YOUR PETITIONERS, AS IN DUTY BOUND, WILL EVER PRAY.

GoPetition respects your privacy.

The Stop the NT Cash for Containers Legislation petition to Northern Territory Parliament was written by Amanda Reid and is in the category Government at GoPetition.