A survey conducted by Coca-Cola Australia revealed that most Australians in participating states are aware of container deposit schemes, but their environmental benefits are less known.
The research comes as part of Coca-Cola Australia and Planet Ark’s efforts to emphasise the benefits of recycling through container deposit schemes.
It is also in line with this year’s National Recycling Week theme “Waste isn’t waste until it’s wasted.”
Container deposit schemes (CDS) aim to produce clean, recyclable materials that are not mixed with other packaging. This allows materials to avoid contamination, allowing them the best chance of being recycled again.
The schemes have been made accessible in most Australian States, with Victoria and Tasmania slated to follow suit.
Under CDS, New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia, the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory offer 10 cents for every can and bottle returned.
A recent report from Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, found significant reductions in plastic pollution in areas with beverage container schemes and strategies that economically motivated appropriate waste disposal.
Commissioned by Lonergan, the research conducted by Coca-Cola Australia revealed that in most of those with CDS in their state or territory, 76 per cent have used them and only 3 per cent of Australian in CDS states had never heard of the schemes.
Meanwhile, only 28 per cent of respondents regularly use them.
Seven out of 10 Australians who have used CDS before do so because of environmental factors, such as limiting landfill, reducing the impact on marine life and wildlife, and helping reduce climate impact.
The research also found that the biggest individual motivator to use CDS is the 10 cents return scheme.
“Beverage containers are in a unique position because they are the only product category with a recycling scheme, where consumers get money back for every container they return,” said Paul Klymenko, co-chief executive officer at Planet Ark.
“We understand there can be challenges around convenience when using CDS, however, with schemes continuing to expand nationally and communities coming up with creative solutions, we believe these barriers will reduce. Through National Recycling Week, we hope to help raise awareness of the cumulative impact individual actions can have, no matter how small each contribution may feel,” Klymenko added
