The National Parks Association of NSW (NPA) has welcomed news that the NSW Greens and Clover Moore MP will jointly introduce bills into the NSW Parliament to establish a container deposit scheme for NSW. This scheme will provide a 10c refund for every beverage container returned to an authorized recycling depot, encouraging people to recycle containers.

“This scheme will play an important part in protecting the health of our oceans,” NPA’s CEO, Kevin Evans, said.

Turtles and other marine life will benefit if we reduce waste entering the oceans

“NPA has always strongly supported sanctuary zones in Marine Parks as a major, proven way to protect marine biodiversity, but we also understand the importance of working with the broader community to reduce the impact of land-based pollutants on our marine ecosystems and species,” said Mr Evans.

“These bills will complement the effects of marine protected areas by reducing avoidable waste that can pose a significant threat to marine fauna and impact on the public’s enjoyment of our beautiful beaches and waterways,” Mr Evans said.

“Over the last 20 years, Australians have spent more than 24 million hours collecting over 200,000 tonnes of rubbish through initiatives like Clean Up Australia Day,” said Gary Schoer, NPA’s Marine Educator.

““While NPA has always supported such days, it is long overdue for the NSW Government to actually do something to stop beverage container waste at its source. We would much rather see our many volunteers helping to replant mangroves and seaweeds and restore damaged marine habitat rather than picking up after the plastics industry, which is yet to achieve even moderate recycling targets,” Mr Schoer said.

“Today is the International Day for Marine Biodiversity, so it is fitting that notice of this bill, which will have significant benefits for marine biodiversity, was given in the Upper House today. NPA urges the NSW Government and Opposition to support this important bill,” concluded Mr Evans.

Date: 22 May 2012

Media Contact: Kevin Evans, CEO National Parks Association of NSW 0457 797 977 or Gary Schoer, NPA Marine Educator (02) 9570 1813

Website: www.npansw.org.au

Address: National Parks Association, PO Box 337, Newtown NSW 2042.

More information: http://catefaehrmann.org/2012/05/cash-for-containers-in-nsw/