The Territory Labor Government has considered the recommendations from an independent review into the Northern Territory’s successful Container Deposit Scheme late last year.

The review showed an increase in the number of containers recycled by more than 30% since the scheme's commencement in 2012, and that it continues to be extremely popular with Territorians – with 83% of Territorians who participated in the review, considering the scheme successful.

Although the scheme is working well the review highlighted 21 recommendations to improve the popular scheme further.

Of the 21 recommendations made in the report (Evaluation of the Operation of the Northern Territory Container Deposit Scheme), the Northern Territory Government will support 17 in full, two in principle and two others will be subject to further consideration.

The recommendations fall into five broad categories:

• Accessibility to the scheme in regional and remote areas;
• Broadening the scheme to include currently exempt containers (e.g. wine bottles and milk cartons);
• Reducing the administrative and regulatory burden on industry, businesses and the regulator;
• Improved and targeted community awareness and engagement to ensure the continued success of the scheme;
• Improved data collection, analysis and reporting; and
• A need to carry out regular auditing and compliance activities to ensure the scheme is not compromised.

An implementation plan has been developed which will see the recommendations rolled out in phases over the next two years, which includes consultation with industry, and engagement with local government and community organisations through the process.

Quotes from the Minister for Environment and Natural Resources, Eva Lawler:

“Protecting our environment creates jobs and good environmental policy like the Container Deposit Scheme is smart economic policy for the Territory.

“A Labor Government introduced this scheme and we are working to making it even better – Protecting our environment and creating jobs.

“In 2017-18, our scheme put more than $11 million into the pockets of community groups, schools and Territorians.

“This is a great way for Territorians, community groups, sporting groups and schools to raise money – while protecting the environment.

“We are making the Territory cleaner, increasing our recycling, removes litter from landfill – Since 2012 more than half a billion containers have been processed under the Container Deposit Scheme.”

Quotes from Narelle Anderson, Founder and Managing Director, Envirobank:

“Envirobank has been a network operator for the Northern Territory’s Container Deposit Scheme since its inception in 2012 and over that time we have continuously seen volumes increase through our depots. Last fiscal year we processed more than 50 million containers in our Darwin depot alone. When you consider the population of the region, this is a phenomenal effort and we applaud all Territorians for getting involved and protecting the environment.

“We also consistently look for ways to expand our support of the Scheme and have run mobile collections in regional communities in Wagait Beach, Jabiru and East Arnhem. As a result of the success of these collections, and the partnership with East Arnhem Council in Galiwinku, Envirobank is now working with East Arnhem Council to run a series of eight additional collections in other parts of East Arnhem - giving more regional communities’ access to the Scheme.” 

Media Contact: Ellie Clancy 0436 646 689