The Greens congratulate Kingborough Council on joining West Coast, Clarence and Launceston City Councils in their support for a statewide container deposit scheme.
These four Tasmanian councils have agreed to lobby the State Government to implement a much needed cash for containers scheme. Kingborough had also committed to take the issue up at the LGAT State Conference.
A cash for containers scheme could save Tasmanian councils approximately $1.4 million a year in kerbside recycling. That's money councils could be reinvesting in communities.
Of Australia's states and territories, only Tasmania and Victoria have yet to commit to a cash for containers scheme.
Tasmania has the worst litter and recycling rates in the country, which puts the State's clean, green reputation at risk.
In a 2011 poll, over 90% of Tasmanians supported having a container deposit scheme. It is an easy environmental fix, that has wide community support.
A cash for containers scheme could provide more than 350 permanent jobs. It would also bring significant fundraising opportunities for community groups, like scout troupes.
Late last year, both the Liberals and Labor rejected a Greens' motion to implement a statewide container deposit scheme. The Greens, along with West Coast, Clarence City, Launceston City and Kingborough Councils, will continue to call for a cash for containers scheme in Tasmania.
