With the cash for containers deposit scheme being introduced into Victoria in November, there are already calls for it to be expanded.

Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, said the recent announcement by Labor indicated there were many containers that would not be accepted as part of the scheme.

“This includes glass wine bottles, glass spirit bottles, juice bottles over 1 litre, cordial bottles, milk containers (other than flavoured milk), concentrated fruit or vegetable juice and health tonics.

“It really does leave some gaping holes in the scheme,” he said.

Mr Bull pointed out that recently the Queensland Government announced glass wine and spirit bottles will be eligible for a 10 cent refund under its program to also be introduced later this year.

“The Liberals and Nationals committed to a container deposit scheme in Victoria and said it was pleasing Labor followed suit, but the program needed to be opened up to include more containers.

“People who throw away their rubbish in public are to my mind quite rightly labelled ‘tossers’ but as well as changing their behaviour we also need to provide an incentive.

“In an area with the natural beauty of East Gippsland, it is important we do everything to reduce litter and so I have asked the Minister to reconsider what items will attract a refund with a mind to expanding the scheme on what is planned,” he said.

Monday, 3 July 2023