The launch of Western Australia's Container Deposit Scheme, Containers for Change, has been deferred for up to 12 months due to COVID-19.
Originally scheduled to begin on June 2, the state government announced the decision to delay the launch last week due to the unprecedented impact of the pandemic, and the expected disruption to refund points.
A final decision is expected to be made in August to determine whether the new launch date will be set in November, 2020 or June, 2021.
Public health concerns, poor economic climate for refund point operators and social distancing are among the key reasons for the delay of the launch.
The closure of pubs, clubs and other venues, as well as schools, across the state is also expected to have impacted the volume of containers with a lower circulation in June.
Further, a delayed launch would also avoid starting the scheme during a period which may be the potential peak of the pandemic.
The scheme focuses on employing people with disability, older people and Aboriginal people - community groups who are generally more vulnerable and whose involvement in the scheme may place them at greater risk of infection.
Scheme coordinator and operator, WA Return Recycle Renew Ltd, and the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation will work closely with the state government to develop a revised timeline for the scheme.
Read more:
Environment Minister Stephen Dawson said there were "too many potential health risks and logistical difficulties" to launch Containers for Change as scheduled.
Mr Dawson added that the government had also received calls from community, local government and businesses for the scheme launch to be postponed.
"Starting the scheme on June 2 would put the scheme's success at risk and place refund point operators under significant pressure," he said.
"COVID-19 has resulted in significant global, national and state impacts and there has been disruption across the board for government initiatives and services.
"While it is disappointing to be deferring the scheme, we remain committed to delivering the most diverse and accessible scheme in Australia.
"We will continue to work together and update the community, operators and suppliers throughout this period of uncertainty."
Containers for Change spokesperson, Tim Cusack, said everyone involved would work closely together to develop the best alternative launch date.
The health and safety of our network participants and the wider community is paramount, and as such we support the decision announced today by the state government.
- Containers for Change spokesperson Tim Cusack
"The health and safety of our network participants and the wider community is paramount, and as such we support the decision announced today by the state government," he said.
"We have been overwhelmed by the public support for the introduction of Containers for Change. Prior to the impact and rapid escalation of COVID-19, we were on track to deliver the most diverse and accessible container deposit scheme in Australia.
"This remains our commitment.
"We look forward to working with all of our partners and the community as we mobilise to launch Containers for Change in Western Australia on a new date."
For more information, visit the Containers for Change website.
