Legislation to establish a container deposit scheme has reached a major milestone with its introduction to state parliament.
Western Australia's scheme is expected to start in early 2020, aiming to reduce littering and boost recycling throughout the state.
It will also provide a range of opportunities for social enterprises and hopes to create a better environment for future generations.
Under the scheme, local residents will be offered a 10 cent refund for returning eligible beverage containers to a refund point.
The new scheme will be aligned with those in other Australian jurisdictions.
All returned containers must be recycled or reused and can include soft drink cans and bottles, bottled water containers and flavoured milk cartons.
Projections show that the WA Container Deposit Scheme will result in 706 million fewer beverage containers being littered, and 5.9 billion fewer containers sent to landfill over 20 years.
During the same period, it is expected to deliver net positive benefits of about $152 million.
The scheme will also create up to 500 jobs at container sorting facilities and refund points.
Premier Mark McGowan said the scheme had a number of promising benefits.
“Western Australians have been supportive of a scheme and this was evident when more than 3,000 people got behind the public consultation period,” he said.
“Protecting WA's unique natural environment and reducing waste in the community are priorities of this Government.”
Environment Minister Stephen Dawson said he was confident the scheme would have a positive impact on the environment.
“It will also be designed to provide business opportunities for social enterprises and help charities and community organisations raise money to fund vital community work,” Mr Dawson said.
“This scheme will be a win for the environment and a win for the local economy.
“Western Australians are overwhelmingly supportive of a container deposit scheme in this State, and the McGowan Government remains committed to bringing the scheme into operation in 2020.”
