Download PDFScott Ludlam
Greens urge environment ministers to agree on national CDS
Media Release | Spokesperson Scott Ludlam
Friday 2nd July 2010, 9:51am
in
⢠Container Deposit Legislation
The Australian Greens have joined a collection of seventeen environment groups from around the country
calling on environment ministers to agree to a national Container Deposit Scheme, to recycle Australia's 11
billion beverage containers per year, when they meet in Darwin on Monday.
"We think it's high time for an announcement in this area. They all say the right things but never agree on
the one obvious measure that would have significant benefits for the environment," said WA Greens
Senator Scott Ludlam.
"We can establish a cost effective system without the need for new infrastructure or any new taxes."
"It would greatly reduce litter leading to an 80% recycling rate of containers, and create up to 2,000 new
jobs. We would see hundreds of convenient drop-off centres, not just for containers but also for other
problem wastes such as batteries and electronic items.
"The Federal Government must release choice modelling it commissioned and a peer review report, which
we know back these calls. They defied a Senate order to table these key documents last week, with both
Labor and the Coalition also rejecting a Greens motion for a national scheme.
"Monday's meeting represents the best opportunity yet for environment ministers to step up and be
counted, and finally listen to the overwhelming public call for a nationwide scheme," Senator Ludlam said.
Media Contact: Fernando de Freitas 0417 174 302