Greens force action on drink container deposits

Greens MLC Colleen Hartland has welcomed today's announcement of a step towards a national drink container deposit scheme.

"This is a face-saver for the State and Federal Governments.  They are facing Greens Bills on drink container deposits in Victoria, New South Wales and the Senate. They need a reason to oppose us without alienating the 94% of Victorians who support a  drink container deposit scheme."

"I knew something was up when the Victorian Environment Minister, who opposes the Greens Bill, flew to the other side of the world to avoid today's meeting."

"The Environment Protection and Heritage Council has announced a community attitudes survey on preparedness to pay a deposit on drink bottles, cans and cartons.  Everyone knows the community wants container deposits, so this can only mean a step towards a national scheme," said Colleen Hartland

"I am confident the process will show that a 10c deposit is the way to go. My report shows that a 10c deposit will raise recycling from 49% to 83%, and save local councils millions of dollars across the state."

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For comment: Colleen Hartland  - 9689 6373