Feasibility Study for Container Deposit System
Container Deposit Systems
In June 2004 the Tasmanian Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Environment, Resources and Development commenced an investigation into Waste Management in Tasmania.
The Committee’s final report included a recommendation that the State Government introduce a container deposit system (CDS) in Tasmania, subject to its viability and effectiveness being supported by a cost-benefit analysis.
South Australia has operated a CDS since 1977. Other states have shown interest in CDS and several have conducted investigations into the likely costs and benefits, including impacts on littering and resource recovery.
In December 2008 the Environment Division contracted an environmental consulting firm, Hyder Consulting Pty Ltd, to study the best model for a CDS in Tasmania, should one be introduced. Hyder’s Final Report examines container deposit systems in Australia and overseas, and assesses options for a Tasmanian system. The report concludes that a ‘hybrid’ CDS built around the most effective elements of existing interstate and overseas systems has the potential to significantly improve recovery of beverage containers in Tasmania. However the report also demonstrates that establishing and operating a CDS would be a complex and challenging process requiring very careful consideration by the community and the State Government.
The Hyder Report has been made available to the Environment Protection and Heritage Council to assist its ongoing investigations into national measures to address resource efficiency, environmental impacts and the reduction of litter from packaging, including beverage containers. It provides an important analysis of the issues associated with implementing a CDS in Tasmania.
Hyder Final Report – Feasibility of a Container Deposit System for Tasmania
(PDF: 1 MB)
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Further information
Contact: Senior Policy Officer
Environment Division
134 Macquarie Street
HOBART TAS 7000
Phone: 03 6233 4028
Fax: 03 6233 6800
Email: EnvironmentEnquiries@environment.tas.gov.au