NSW Container Deposit Scheme will be environmental game-changer

The NSW Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) is an environmental game-changer for NSW.
It is the single largest litter-reduction initiative to be introduced in NSW and will support our community groups and charities with fundraising opportunities.
The scheme will deliver on a commitment to deliver a cost-efficient world best practice model.
The NSW Environment Minister Gabrielle Upton’s priority is for the scheme to be easy to use, accessible for the community and good for the environment – helping to reduce the 160 million drink containers littered in NSW every year. It will play a big part in helping the NSW Government meet the Premier’s goal to reduce litter volume by 40 per cent by 2020.
Commencing on 1 December 2017 the CDS will provide a 10-cent refund on eligible drink containers (most between 150mls-3 litres) resulting in benefits to the environment of $282 million over the next 20 years and providing great opportunities for the community to raise funds for community projects.
Everyone in NSW will have a role to play in the success of this exciting new scheme and there will be multiple opportunities to participate.
You can apply to become approved collection point operators by registering their interest on the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) website. Network operators will select collection point sites when they are appointed shortly.
You can also negotiate with your waste providers to receive the refund or part-thereof on eligible containers to reduce your costs.
Original suppliers of eligible drink containers into NSW will need to enter an agreement with the Scheme Coordinator, when appointed shortly, and ensure that all eligible containers are registered by 1 December.
Everyone will also have the opportunity to support their local community, sporting, charity and school groups by donating their eligible containers to them for fundraising.
The NSW Government will provide more information about these opportunities in the coming months.
The NSW container deposit scheme is an exciting opportunity for everyone to participate in keeping our environment litter-free and in supporting our communities. Find out how you can be involved by visiting www.epa.nsw.gov.au or by emailing container.deposit@epa.nsw.gov.au to sign up to the new CDS newsletter.

Photo credit: The NSW Container Deposit Scheme will be easy to use, accessible for the community and good for the environment