Baldivis MLA pushes recycling as fundraising tactic ahead of new introduction of container deposit laws
Baldivis MLA Reece Whitby is urging local community groups to plan ahead to cash in on cans and other drink containers when new container deposit laws are introduced next year.
The Member for Baldivis, who is also the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Environment, introduced the container deposit laws into State Parliament late last year and legislation is expected to become law in early 2020.
“Now is the time for community groups to start thinking about getting involved,” Mr Whitby said.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for all our school P&Cs, footy clubs or scout groups to get involved and use empty drink containers for fundraising.
“The Container Deposit Scheme will be a great win for the environment — dramatically reducing the amount of litter in our community and increasing recycling.”
Mr Whitby said he had written to community groups across his electorate to urge them to start thinking about how they can benefit from the law and how to be best placed to start fundraising.
“Beverage containers, including specified cans, bottles, juice boxes and flavoured milk cartons, will be eligible for a 10¢ refund at approved collection locations across WA,” he said.
“Consumers will be able to claim a 10¢ refund on every eligible container, but they will also have the option of giving their containers to community groups. Community groups that collect these drink containers will be able to take them to refund points themselves to claim the 10¢ per container refund and raise hundreds or perhaps thousands of dollars a year.
“I believe many consumers will prefer to forego the refund for the convenience of dropping off their containers at their local sports club or school in the knowledge they are also supporting a worthy community group.”
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