WA Labor to expand successful Containers for Change program

Wine and spirit bottles will be included in an expansion of the successful Containers for Change program under a re-elected WA Labor Government.
  • WA Labor to expand successful Containers for Change program
  • Re-elected Cook Labor Government to include wine and spirit bottles in Containers for Change expansion
  • Introduced in 2020, WA's Container deposit scheme has saved nearly 4 billion containers from landfill
  • Reflects WA Labor’s commitment to protecting the environment and making it easier for Western Australians to recycle

Wine and spirit bottles will be included in an expansion of the successful Containers for Change program under a re-elected WA Labor Government.

Currently, most plastic and glass bottles, as well as drink cartons, cans and pouches between 150ml and 3 litres are accepted for 10c refunds.

An expansion of the program could see up to an additional 200 million containers become eligible per year.

Since October 2020, Containers for Change has recycled nearly 4 billion 10c containers from landfill, returning nearly $400 million to the pockets of Western Australians.

Of that, $13.5 million has been invested back in the community through donations to charities and community groups.

Importantly, Containers for Change has delivered a significant increase to the recycling recovery rate of eligible containers in WA from 33 per cent in 2021 to 65 per cent in 2023-24. It has also created over 800 jobs.

The proposed expansion of the program reinforces WA Labor’s commitment to protecting the environment and reducing waste, while making it easier for Western Australians to recycle and supporting local job opportunities.

Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:

"Containers for Change is a great win for our environment, local jobs, community groups and charities looking to fundraise, and our kids to learn about the benefits of recycling."

“Western Australians have truly embraced this initiative, diverting billions of containers from waste and helping to generate valuable funds for great local charities and community groups."

“With the inclusion of wine and spirit bottles, the benefits of this fantastic program will only continue to grow under a re-elected WA Labor Government I lead.”

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