In 2017, the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) established working groups to inform the design and implementation of Western Australia’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS).
David Stout, Manager of Policy with the National Retail Association, has represented retailer interests throughout the consultation process and continues to represent retailers as a key member of the WA CDS Advisory Group and Technical Working Group.
“The role of the Advisory Group is to provide industry-specific advice and workable solutions to inform the State Government’s plan,” said Mr Stout.
“We bring the interests and concerns of retailers to the table to ensure the CDS is realistic, cost-effective and manageable for retail businesses across Western Australia.”
“Our members have hundreds of years of accrued experience in what does and doesn’t work in the real-world, and any container deposit scheme that’s going to be a success needs to be informed by this experience and knowledge.”
“We commend the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation on their engagement with industry as well as environmental and community groups.”
According to the 2015–16 Keep Australia Beautiful Litter Index, beverage containers make up 35.2 per cent of the total volume of all litter in Western Australia. This is more than double the figure in South Australia (17 per cent), where a Container Deposit Scheme has been in place since 1977.
Many Western Australians already participate in kerbside and other recycling programs. The Western Australian state government plans to implement a Container Deposit Scheme by January 2019 to complement existing recycling programs and provide additional facilities and incentives for people to recycle.
The success of this scheme will require a large degree of buy-in from consumers, retailers, suppliers, and collection, waste and recycling industries.
The CDS Advisory Group meets approximately every six weeks in Perth. Members who are interested in being involved in the discussion, or attending meetings, are encouraged to contact David Stout at d.stout@nra.net.au.