Coca-Cola Amatil (CCA) has confirmed the acceptance of a letter addressed to the National Packaging Covenant Industry Authority (NPCIA) from the New South Wales (NSW) government related to a container deposit scheme and is examining different approaches to encourage recycling and litter reduction targets.
The potential container deposit scheme of NSW is similar to the one that exists in South Australia where people are awarded with cash backs for recycling bottles.
The company, in a statement, said that it had received a letter addressed to NPCIA, signed by NSW Premier Mike Baird and state environment minister Rob Stokes.
The letter stated that the government considers the NPCIA proposal as a significant policy and funding risk.
It also said that it has obtained independent advice which says that a CDL scheme using reverse vending machines and targeting containers consumed away from home will help in reducing litter and increasing recycling.
Currently, the city of Sydney Council is in the process of trialling two of the reverse vending machines - at Circular Quay and the Dixon Street mall, Haymarket which gives rewards ranging from free swims at council pools to food vouchers and the chance to win tickets to Moonlight Cinema or Bridge Climb for recycling.
The company further said in its statement that the Government has invited the industry to participate in further discussions.
"The Government has stated that it believes that greater commitment and contribution from industry is required to reduce packaging waste litter and increase packaging recycling.
"As no final decision has yet been made on the program to be implemented in NSW CCA is not in a position at this stage to quantify the financial impact on its business of such a scheme being introduced."
